Gender differences in acute care treatments for cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Background: This narrative review aimed to identify gender-related differences in multiple cardiovascular disease treatments and to provide an overview of the possible causes to aid in establishment of a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profile. Methods: A narrative review methodology was used. A systematic search of two databases, PubMed and CINAHL, sourced 245 articles. Results: Seven articles met the inclusion criteria. Three recurrent themes emerged from the literature. These were gender differences in the burden of CVD, gender differences in symptom presentation and gender differences in management and treatment of CVD. Conclusion: CVD can be expressed differently in women and men. Different approaches to diagnosis and treatment are required. The studies included in this review reflect findings reported in research conducted more than 10 years ago, suggesting that more focus is needed to define and add gender-related indicators to current risk assessments and management strategies.