February 27, 2024- Women’s cardiovascular disease risks and outcomes differ throughout the lifespan from those of men, according to a collection of studies devoted to cardiovascular medicine research focused on women of all ages, published today in a special “spotlight” issue of the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.
Cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined. Among females 20 years and older, nearly 45% are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, and less than 50% of women entering pregnancy in the U.S. have good heart health. In addition, more than half of deaths from high blood pressure are in women. Yet, women make up only 38% of participants in cardiovascular disease clinical trials, according to the American Heart Association.