Establishing women's heart centres as hub-and-spoke reference networks is proposed to deliver multidisciplinary, sex-sensitive cardiovascular care and reduce inequities across Europe.
Establishing dedicated women's heart centres provides a structured, multidisciplinary framework to address persistent disparities in cardiovascular diagnosis and treatment for women.
Abstract Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, yet significant disparities persist in diagnosis, treatment, and research representation. This clinical consensus statement outlines the rationale and framework for establishing women's heart centres (WHCs) in Europe. Women's heart centres are proposed as hub-and-spoke reference networks embedded within existing cardiovascular systems, delivering multidisciplinary, sex-sensitive care across the life course. The document defines referral pathways, operational standards, and core and advanced training competencies in women's cardiovascular health. Key domains include ischaemia/myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries, cardio-obstetrics, cardio-oncology, autoimmune disease, mental health, and cardiac rehabilitation. Implementation strategies emphasize scalable models, integration with primary care, telemedicine, quality improvement, and research engagement. Although long-term outcome data remain limited, available evidence suggests improved diagnostic precision, risk factor control, and patient-reported outcomes. Establishing WHC offers a structured approach to reduce inequities and strengthen cardiovascular care for women across Europe.
Published in the European Heart Journal, this joint consensus statement from multiple ESC associations calls for the establishment of dedicated women's heart centers to address persistent disparities in cardiovascular care. The statement has received significant attention from medical societies and news outlets for its actionable recommendations to improve outcomes for women.
Grapsa et al. (2026) conducted a review in Cardiovascular disease. Women's heart centres (WHCs) was evaluated. Establishing women's heart centres as hub-and-spoke reference networks is proposed to deliver multidisciplinary, sex-sensitive cardiovascular care and reduce inequities across Europe.