Sex Differences in Prevalent Cardiovascular Disease in the General Population

Abstract

In this chapter, we provide latest insights about sex differences in prevalent cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the general population. CVD is considered as one of the most prevalent diseases and the leading cause of death in both men and women. Sex-related factors have an important impact of the differences in the development, the presentation of symptoms, the awareness for the disease, and the progression and management of CVD. Common CVDs in the general population such as ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure demonstrate the importance of sex-specific approaches that have an effect on clinical outcomes. The relationship between sex-specific attributable risk factors and the development of CVD often pass unnoticed. However, differences in classical risk factor distribution can only partly explain observed sex differences. Genetics may contribute to the understanding of sex differences in CVD. Existing and emerging technologies take genetic examinations at increasingly high resolution at the population level.