Women Face Higher Cardiovascular Risks, Lower Treatment Rates UK

Recent studies reveal significant gender and health disparities in cardiovascular disease risks and treatments. Women who experience premature menopause face increased risks of cardiovascular complications, including heart failure and arrhythmias, highlighting the need for targeted cardiovascular risk assessment and prevention. Additionally, women with gynecological disorders such as PCOS, endometriosis, and early menopause show elevated risks for heart disease due to factors like systemic inflammation, metabolic changes, and high blood pressure. Despite these risks, women diagnosed with aortic stenosis, a serious heart valve disease, are 11% less likely to be referred to secondary care and 39% less likely to receive valve replacement procedures compared to men, with similar disparities affecting ethnic minorities and those from deprived areas. These findings underscore ongoing inequities in cardiovascular care, emphasizing the need for improved awareness and equitable treatment access. Furthermore, awareness and insurance coverage gaps exist, as women are less likely than men to hold life insurance policies, potentially reflecting broader systemic issues in health education and financial protection.