Cardiovascular health in women: a consensus document of the Italian Cardiovascular Societies

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women, yet sex-specific and gender-specific differences in disease pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment response are often underappreciated. This article presents the findings of a multidisciplinary expert consensus involving 59 specialists from cardiovascular and affine scientific societies. Experts were divided into 11 working groups, each focusing on distinct aspects of cardiovascular risk, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in women. Utilizing a Delphi-like method, 71 key statements were developed, refined, and evaluated to establish a consensus on best practices for addressing sex-specific and gender-specific disparities in cardiovascular care. The findings underscore critical gaps in current guidelines, particularly regarding hormonal influences, pharmacological responses, and environmental and socioeconomic determinants of cardiovascular risk in women. The consensus highlights the need for improved screening strategies, individualized risk assessment models incorporating female-specific factors, and increased representation of women in cardiovascular research. Telemedicine and digital health tools offer promising solutions for bridging existing disparities. The study reinforces the necessity for a paradigm shift in cardiovascular medicine, advocating for gender-sensitive policies and clinical guidelines. Future research should focus on integrating gender-specific considerations into all facets of cardiovascular care to optimize outcomes for women.