Sex-specific Differences in Risk Factors, Comorbidities, Diagnostic Challenges, Optimal Management, and Prognostic Outcomes of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Overview

Journal Heart Fail Rev

Date 2023 Nov 23

PMID 37996694

Authors

Muhammad Abubakar

Ayesha Saleem

Mohsin Hajjaj

Haseeb Faiz

Aastha Pragya

Rosheen Jamil

Siffat Saima Salim

Ibrahim Khaleel Lateef

Deepak Singla

Rajasekar Ramar

Ivan Damara

Laraib Shahid

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Due to hormonal variations, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains prevalent in women and affects almost half of the heart failure (HF) patients. Given the yearly death rate of 10-30% and the unavailability of medications targeting HFpEF, the need arises for a better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of this syndrome. This comprehensive review explores sex-specific differences in traditional risk factors; female-specific factors that may impact HFpEF development and response to therapy, including variations in hormone levels that may occur pre- and post-menopausal or during pregnancy; and disparities in comorbidities, clinical presentation, and diagnostic challenges. Lastly, the review addresses prognostic outcomes, noting that women with HFpEF have a poor quality of life but a higher survival rate. It also discusses novel biomarkers and precision medicine, emphasizing their potential to improve early detection and personalized treatment.

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