Cardiovascular health in women

Gender Medicine and, specifically, Gender Cardiology, are key fields for developing a modern and effective diagnostic and therapeutic medical strategy, tailored on anatomical, functional, and socio-economic gender differences in individual patients. Although this issue has been debated for over 30 years, little has actually been done.

We believe that addressing gender medicine means discussing the specific issues faced by each sex/gender and highlighting their unique characteristics. In line of this, the Resolution n. 2 of March 5, 2026, issued by the National Commission for Continuing Education of the Health Ministry, identified Gender Medicine as a topic of national interest for the 2026-2028 period.

Unfortunately, the gap that has developed in our approach to women's health - for which recommendations are still often not supported by solid, specific evidence, but are instead based primarily on studies conducted in predominantly male populations - compels us to pay particular attention to treatment pathways tailored to women. Furthermore, it is important to note that the number of gender non-conforming individuals are steadily growing; this group requires additional, distinct considerations, for which healthcare professionals receive very little guidance on how to address their needs.

The process that led to the development of this excellent document began with the observation that many Italian Scientific Societies, including ARCA, have for years been establishing study groups dedicated to this field. However, despite their efforts in research and educational events, the impact, severity, and specific nature of cardiovascular disease in women have not yet been sufficiently recognized by doctors, women themselves, and institutions.

ARCA has always believed in the greater capacity of a united Italian Cardiology community and has worked to involve other major scientific societies in drafting a joint Document that can serve as a reference for all Italian physicians.

This document we are presenting on Cardiologia Ambulatoriale Outpatient Cardiology, has the potential for improvement and is not definitive, given the constant stream of new findings; however, it does demonstrate that it is possible to work together toward important goals, achieving excellent results.

I would therefore like to thank not only the promotors of our association, but also all the Presidents and Colleagues from other Scientific Institutions and Associations who enthusiastically participated in this experience, which, beyond achieving its specific goal, has shown us a path to follow together.

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