BC Environmental and Occupational Health Research Network

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) - including coronary artery disease, angina, congestive heart failure, hypertension and stroke - is the major cause of death and disability worldwide claiming 17.1 million lives annually.1 There is a growing body of evidence related to sex and gender differences with regards to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of those with the disease, however, gender and sex are not adequately considered in clinical interventions for CVD (i.e. interventions carried out by clinicians and healthcare providers to improve, maintain or assess the health of a person with CVD). For example, medications for treating CVD are not always tested specifically to determine if their effects differ in women and men, yet we know that gender and sex influence drug adherence, absorption, and side effects. Taking account of sex and gender in clinical interventions for CVD has the potential to improve prevention, detection and treatment strategies. Thus, there is a need to find ways to synthesize what is currently known about sex and gender in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of CVD, and to engage this knowledge through innovative approaches for improving clinical practices.