Design of The Middle East African Registry for Women's CardioVascular Disease (MEA-WCVD) (Preprint)

BACKGROUND The escalating incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population, particularly among women, has resulted in increased morbidity and mortality in the Middle East and African (MEA) Regions. Despite this concerning tendency, women remain significantly underrepresented in cardiovascular research, with no large-scale prospective multicenter trials reflecting national data published to date. To address this gap, we initiated the "Women CardioVascular Disease Middle East African Registry (MEA-WCVD)" to establish a comprehensive database on the contemporary epidemiological profile and management of Heart Failure (HF), Atrial fibrillation (AF), ischemic heart disease (IHD) and Valvular Heart disease (VHD) in women. OBJECTIVE This study aims to compare the management of cardiovascular diseases in women and men in a MEA countries sample, according to the current practice guidelines and encompass the identification of gender-based disparities, specifically examining healthcare insurance, income, and access to healthcare services. METHODS This prospective observational study involves a one-shot visit where patients diagnosed with HF, AF, IHD, or VHD provide informed consent, and their data are collected in a centralized certified database. The registry spans 75 days, with plans for an extended protocol to assess 1-year clinical outcomes. RESULTS The study's findings, expected at the conclusion, will include a comprehensive evaluation of the demographic profile and care management practices for the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases in women worldwide, aligned with current guidelines. The MEA-WCVD registry is anticipated to become the largest database for Middle East African patients monitored for HF, AF, IHD, and VHD. CONCLUSIONS The MEA-WCVD registry will provide unique and necessary data on the management and outcomes of the most common CV diseases (AF, HF, IHD and VHD) while comparing standard care management in women to men in MEA regions. This study will yield the largest contemporary cohort of patients with cardiovascular diseases in MEA countries and would provide valuable answers about real-world cardio-vascular clinical epidemiology and management.