Sex Differences in Functional Outcomes Following Cardiac Surgery: Implications for Cardiac Rehabilitation

Background This paper underscores the significance of gender medicine, advocating for a critical reassessment of medical practices that incorporates gender differences into healthcare delivery. Historically, medical research and clinical practice have predominantly focused on male health, yet it is crucial to address the impact of gender on female health as well. The paper specifically explores the influence of sex and gender on the primary causes of morbidity and mortality in cardiology, examining the roles of genetic and hormonal factors in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. It emphasizes the necessity of a gender–sensitive approach in cardiac rehabilitation, advocating for individualized care that considers the biological, genetic, and environmental determinants that influence patient outcomes. Materials and Methods The study population included 383 patients, aged between 40 and 81 years, of whom 111 were women and 272 were men. The participants had undergone cardiac surgery, including both surgical and interventional procedures. Both groups were assessed at admission and discharge using the following evaluation tools: The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) (Figure 1A-1B), the 6–Minute Walking Test (6MWT), and the EuroQol Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The rehabilitation program consisted of two daily gym sessions: a moderate–intensity aerobic workout, assessed using the Borg CR10 scale, and respiratory exercises. The program also focused on muscle function restoration and included additional aerobic exercises. Conclusions The results showed that both groups experienced significant improvements after rehabilitation, particularly in autonomy, functional recovery, and effort tolerance.Women showed greater improvements in gait speed compared to men (Figure 2A-2B), but there were no significant differences between the two groups in strength or balance.These findings suggest that gender–tailored rehabilitation programs, with specific interventions, could help address individual deficits and provide a more personalized approach to meet each patient‘s needs.Figure 1A Figure 1B Figure 2A Figure 2B