Cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and morbidity is a major burden on the US and global population. Observed differences
in prevalence, incidence, outcomes, and risk factors suggest a possible sex difference in etiology and pathophysiology of
CVD. Disparate rates of referral and diagnosis may be attributable to differences in symptoms, presentation, and diagnostic
accuracy. Many common procedural, pharmaceutical, and medical device therapies have been associated with worse outcomes in
women compared to men. Awareness campaigns and efforts to improve female inclusion in clinical trials are contributing to
improvements in CVD healthcare delivery for women, but much remains unknown about the biological basis for the differences
described above, such as the role of estrogen, life-cycle changes (puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause), and possible
chromosomal or genetic mechanisms. This is where translational research is uniquely poised to make immense contributions to
resolving disparities in the quality of care and outcomes for women with CVD.
Keywords Cardiovascular Disease - Sex Differences - Gender Disparities - Estrogen - Sex Hormones - Biomarkers - FDA