Unique Aspects of Women's Valvular Heart Diseases: Impact for Diagnosis and Treatment

Valvular heart diseases (VHDs) are a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. As degenerative and functional mechanisms represent the main etiologies in high -income countries are degenerative and functional, while in low income countries etiologie is mostly rheumatic. Although therapeutic options have evolved considerably in recent years, women are consistently diagnosed at later stages of their disease, are delayed in receiving surgical referrals, and exhibit worse postoperative outcomes, compared to men. This difference is a result of the historical underrepresentation of women in studies from which current guidelines were developed. However, in recent years, important research, including more female patients, has been conducted and has highlighted substantial sex -specific differences in the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of VHDs. Systematic consideration of these sex -specific differences in VHD patients is crucial for providing equitable healthcare and optimizing clinical outcomes in both female and male patients. Hence, this review aims to explore implications of sex -specific particularities for diagnosis, treatment options, and outcomes in women with VHDs.