Sex and gender differences in valvular heart disease

Valvular heart disease (VHD) exhibits significant differences between sexes affecting disease presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Biological factors such as hormonal influences and anatomical variations contribute to differences in valve pathology and response to interventions. Sociocultural factors, including healthcare access and provider bias, further impact care delivery. Women often present with more advanced valvular heart disease and experience delays in referral and treatment related to differing symptomatology, lack of evidence and awareness regarding sex-specific considerations, and diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines built on evidence lacking sex and gender diversity. Addressing these gaps through inclusive research and personalized care is essential for improving equity in cardiovascular outcomes.