One-Year Prospective Follow-up of Women With INOCA and MINOCA at a Canadian Women’s Heart Centre

Sex, Gender, and Women's Heart Health: How Women's Heart Programs Address the Knowledge Gap

“…A recent prospective study conducted in Vancouver, British Columbia, demonstrated the positive impact of specialized WHP care for women with nonobstructive CAD. 11 Significant improvements were observed in diagnosis, risk-factor management, angina control, quality of life, and mental health, along with a reduced number of emergency department visits and angina-related hospitalizations. 11 Moreover, WHPs address heart conditions and risk factors that disproportionately impact women, such as adverse pregnancy outcomes, peripartum cardiomyopathy, polycystic ovary syndrome, menopause, and hormonal therapy.…”

“… 11 Significant improvements were observed in diagnosis, risk-factor management, angina control, quality of life, and mental health, along with a reduced number of emergency department visits and angina-related hospitalizations. 11 Moreover, WHPs address heart conditions and risk factors that disproportionately impact women, such as adverse pregnancy outcomes, peripartum cardiomyopathy, polycystic ovary syndrome, menopause, and hormonal therapy. 47 , 48 However, despite these promising outcomes, the availability of WHPs in Canada remains limited ( Fig.…”

“…Our group recently reported the 1-year prospective data from The Women’s Heart Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia, indicating higher diagnostic accuracy, improved risk-factor management, and reduced angina hospitalization in women presenting with ischemia or myocardial infarction (MI) and no obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD; INOCA or MINOCA). 11 …”

“…WHPs have gained recognition as crucial initiatives to address sex- and gender-based disparities in CVD outcomes. 11 , 47 Initially regarded as mere trends, the intensifying evidence of increasing CVD morbidity and mortality among women necessitates specialized programs tailored to their unique cardiovascular needs. 47 Approximately 50 WHPs exist globally, 6 of which are in Canada.…”

“…These programs are often supported by charitable foundations, philanthropic entities, and industry sponsors, and they often go beyond routine heart disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and education. 11 …”