Gender differences in cardiovascular risk factors

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been traditionally considered a purely male disease, and for many years it has been under-estimated and under-recognized in women. Nevertheless, CVD represents the leading cause of female mortality and disability in developing countries. The increased interest in this field allowed for the description of the differences in terms of clinical presentation, prevention, treatment, and prognosis. The recognition of the gender differences in CVD plays an essential role in CVD prevention. Just as a child cannot be considered a small adult, similarly a woman should not be considered a small man, although, at this time, CVD therapy has been studied mainly on male models, and only subsequently administered to women. We should not underestimate the biological and hormonal differences between the sexes, which can affect the various clinical pictures and drug responses. Since CVD is mostly preventable, this review aims to provide an overview on the cardiovascular risk factors in women, focusing on traditional risks, affecting both sexes, though with different relative risk and prevalence, and on the novel and unique risks in women, as this knowledge would help optimize prevention, treatment and prognosis.