Women With Coronary Artery Disease: Do Psychosocial Factors Contribute to a Higher Cardiovascular Risk?

Despite the mortality and morbidity burden associated with cardiovascular disease in women, there is insufficient knowledge regarding gender specificities in both biomedical and psychosocial domains. Gender differences in both pathophysiology and biological risk factors might explain distinct prevalence rates, symptom profiles, and even medical outcomes, but gender-related specificities regarding psychosocial risk factors might further explain this. The authors review the key issues on this topic and outline suggestions for future research. Ultimately, a better understanding of this matter will translate not only into improved clinical management of female patients, but also gender-specific strategies in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.