Female Representation in Clinical Studies Informing Atrial Fibrillation Guidelines: Have We Built a House of Cards?

Abstract

It is increasingly recognised that important but often poorly understood differences exist between men and women at biological, psychologic, and sociologic levels. If ignored, these differences can result in significant health disparities. The landmark 1985 Report of the Public Health Service Task Force on Women’s Health Issues highlighted that data obtained from studies using only male participants may not be applicable to the female population, thus identifying sex (and gender) bias in research as a barrier to advancing women’s health.