Summary
This narrative review synthesises current evidence on cardiovascular surgery outcomes for women in the United States and globally, documenting persistent sex disparities in morbidity, mortality, and surgical referral. The authors examine whether historical inequities in research, clinical practice, and outcomes remain evident, and propose strategies to address identified gaps. The review gives particular attention to the emerging clinical challenge of managing pregnant women with cardiovascular disease requiring surgical intervention.
UK applicability
Whilst this review focuses on United States data and healthcare systems, the underlying clinical pathophysiology of sex differences in cardiovascular disease and surgical outcomes is likely applicable to UK populations. However, UK-specific data on cardiac surgery disparities and referral patterns would be needed to assess whether the identified gaps and proposed solutions directly translate to NHS practice.
Key measures
Morbidity and mortality rates after cardiac surgery in women; sex disparities in research inclusion and surgical referral; postoperative complications and survival outcomes; cardiovascular disease prevalence in women (1 in 3 deaths; 45% of women >20 years with CVD)
Outcomes reported
The review examined sex-related disparities in cardiovascular surgery outcomes, morbidity, mortality, and surgical referral patterns for women, including pregnant women with cardiovascular disease.
Topic tags
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