Wenger: ‘Cultural shift’ needed when presenting CV research data for women, men
CHICAGO — Pervasive gaps in knowledge and care delivery persist that require urgent attention to reduce sex-based disparities and achieve equity in CV care and outcomes, according to a speaker.
Research has identified important biologic differences between women and men and their response to social, environmental and behavioral stresses, yet the underrepresentation of women in all areas of biologic research has delayed the translation of these discoveries, Cardiology Today Editorial Board Member Nanette K. Wenger, MD, MACC, MACP, FAHA, FASPC, emeritus professor of medicine (cardiology) at Emory University School of Medicine, consultant at Emory Heart and Vascular Center and founding consultant at Emory Women’s Heart Center, said during a lecture on women and CVD at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions.
“We need a cultural shift when we present CV health data,” Wenger said. “What we have done is identify the characteristics of men an implicit ‘gold standard’ with presentations in women termed ‘atypical.’ Actually, they are typical, for women.”
As part of a “call to action” to make change, Wenger said culturally sensitive awareness campaigns are needed to identify CVD as the major health threat for women.
“Women are not aware they are at risk,” Wenger said. “We have to emphasize the benefits of prevention, because 80% to 90% of CVD is preventable and there are benefits of lifetime CV health optimization.”
Interdisciplinary collaboration between cardiologists, primary care physicians and OB/GYNs can improve the recognition of women’s CV risk lifelong, Wenger said.
“We have to have holistic risk-reducing strategies,” she said.
Additionally, there is a need for more basic, translational, clinical, population and implementation research on CVD and stroke in women of all ages.
“We have to focus on the under-resourced populations and emphasize that there are high reward opportunities if you improve lifelong CV health,” Wenger said. “For our basic science colleagues, we must make sure the animal studies include female animals and ensure basic science uses and prepares female and male cell lines and stem cells.”
Communities must also be involved in initiatives to promote heart health, she said.
“The men have done it with the barbershop programs,” Wenger said. “For the women, we have to go to the nail shops and beauty salons. Then all of us have to advocate for public policy and legislative interventions that focus on social determinants of health. Important pieces include healthy food access, safe spaces for physical activity, clean indoor and outdoor air and access to high-quality care for prevention and treatment.”
Last, surveillance systems are important so researchers can provide feedback to key stakeholders.
“We are living in a digital age and we must leverage innovative digital technologies that capture the metrics for prevention, outcomes and care deliveries,” Wenger said. “It takes a community. What we have to do is raise awareness, talk about optimized prevention and clinical care, support research, engage communities and advocate and monitor the progress.”
As Healio previously reported, a presidential advisory from the AHA, issued in May, highlighted a “roadmap” to implementing a vision for equity for women and their CV health. The statement focused on epidemiology and prevention, awareness, access and delivery of equitable health care and providing a call to action across multiple disciplines.
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Wenger A. Annual Dr. Nanette K. Wenger Research Goes Red Award for best scientific article on cardiovascular disease and stroke in women. Presented at: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions; Nov. 5-7, 2022; Chicago (hybrid meeting).
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