Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of death worldwide, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving patient outcomes. However, recent studies have shown that there is a gender bias in the diagnosis of CVDs, with women being less likely to receive timely and accurate diagnoses than men.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of death worldwide, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving patient outcomes. However, recent studies have shown that there is a gender bias in the diagnosis of CVDs, with women being less likely to receive timely and accurate diagnoses than men. The Lancet Commission h1ighlights that the higher relative risk of mortality among women due to CVD is largely due to under-studied, under-recognized, under-diagnosed, and under-treated conditions globally. Women have historically been excluded from cardiovascular clinical trials, hindering the ability to measure the effectiveness of treatments for them or to identify gender-based differences in health outcomes. These factors can impact the strategies and policies implemented to address these disparities.
Our paper examines patient gender bias on the probabilities of both visiting the cardiologist and being diagnosed with heart disease. The study uses data from the Catalan Health Survey to analyse gender bias in access and diagnosis for patients with a high likelihood of suffering heart issues. The study controlled for risk factors and demographic characteristics, finding that women have lower probabilities of visiting the cardiologist and being diagnosed with heart disease than men. Our main objective is to ascertain if there is any indication of discrimination based on gender when it comes to the likelihood of seeing a cardiologist or receiving a diagnosis for a heart condition. This study is critical in comprehending the fundamental factors that contribute to healthcare access and outcome disparities, and highlights the significance of addressing any biases within the medical system. By exploring this unexplored territory, we aim to influence policies and practices that promote equitable healthcare access for all, irrespective of gender.
Several studies have demonstrated that women who suffer from a myocardial infarction (MI) tend to have a worse prognosis and poorer health outcomes compared to men [1]. Recently, an analysis of the VIRGO (Variation in Recovery: Role of Gender on Outcomes of Young Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients) study has shed more light on this matter, revealing that women have an 11% lower chance of experiencing an MI than men [13]. These findings emphasize the significance of comprehending the unique obstacles that women confront in terms of heart health and the requirement for enhanced awareness and support to alleviate these disparities.
Regardless of the underlying causes, it is clear that there is a need to address and eliminate gender bias in the diagnosis of CVDs. Healthcare providers should work towards providing equal access to specialized healthcare services for both men and women. This could include targeted outreach and education campaigns to raise awareness about the symptoms of CVDs in women, as well as efforts to reduce unconscious biases among healthcare providers. In addition, there is a need for further research into the gender bias in the diagnosis of CVDs. This could include studies that explore the role of cultural and societal factors in this bias, as well as investigations into potential interventions that could help to reduce or eliminate this bias. Overall, this highlights an important issue that has significant implications for patient outcomes and healthcare equity. By raising awareness about this issue and promoting efforts to address.