Ewha Med J.  2024 Jan;47(1):e3. 10.12771/emj.2024.e3.

Sex differences in pharmacotherapy for heart failure

• Cho IJ

• KMID: 2553295
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12771/emj.2024.e3

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) represents a serious public health concern, characterized by substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in pharmacological management, a gap persists in understanding and accounting for sex-related differences in HF treatment. This review was performed to clarify the impact of sex on the clinical outcomes of HF medications. Insights from various clinical trials and studies have highlighted differences between men and women in drug responses and adverse effects, indicating the need for a more nuanced approach to HF management. Promoting greater representation of women in clinical trials and the development of research methodologies that consider sex differences are crucial steps in advancing precision medicine. Such efforts ensure that therapeutic strategies are optimally tailored to the unique biological and genetic profiles of each person. Ultimately, this review emphasizes the vital need for a more inclusive and personalized approach to HF pharmacotherapy, underscoring the critical role of sex-related differences in shaping effective and individualized treatment pathways.

Keyword

Sex characteristics; Heart failure; Drug therapy

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1. Sex-related differences in the efficacy of heart failure pharmacotherapy. COR was defined in accordance with the Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure published by the Korean Society of Heart Failure. Data from Youn et al. [10]. HFrEF, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; HFpEF, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; COR, class of recommendation; ACEI, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor; ARB, angiotensin receptor blocker; MRA, mineralocorticoid receptor blocker; ARNI, angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor; SGLT2I, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor.

• 

  Fig. 2. Overview of sex-based differences in pharmacotherapy for heart failure.

Reference

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