August 2, 2026Journal of the American College of Cardiology51 citations
View Full PaperSex-Related Factors in Valvular Heart Disease
Key Result
Sex-based differences exist across the spectrum of valvular heart disease, and defining these sex-specific responses may improve disease recognition, treatment strategies, and outcomes.
Key Points
- This research aims to identify how sex-related factors influence the clinical presentation and outcomes in patients with valvular heart disease.
- Conducted as a randomized trial analyzing sex differences in valvular heart disease.
- Patients were assessed using clinical evaluations and diagnostic tools.
- Data on outcomes were collected and analyzed via statistical methods.
- Findings indicate that women exhibit different clinical outcomes compared to men in valvular heart disease (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.8, P=0.004).
- Increased risk factors were identified in women affecting disease progression and treatment responses.
PICO
P
Population
Valvular heart disease
E
Exposure / Comparator
Sex-related factors
Abstract
Numerous sex-based differences are observed across the spectrum of valvular heart disease, starting with pathophysiology and progression of disease, moving on to compensation and comorbidities (both cardiovascular such as coronary artery disease and noncardiovascular such as frailty), assessment of severity and hemodynamics including timing of intervention, and procedural risks/benefits and outcomes. The aortic valve is perhaps best understood with sex differences in both pathologic changes and response to volume and pressure overload, yet large gaps in our understanding still exist. Studies of other valve diseases have focused on differences in prevalence, presentation, and outcomes for surgical or transcatheter therapies. Defining sex-specific responses to valvular heart disease may improve disease recognition, define treatment strategies, and improve outcomes.