Understanding Gender Differences in Cardiac Surgery: Why Women Face Greater Risks and How to Improve Outcomes

Heart conditions are often treated with cardiac surgery, but the results can differ between men and women.  These differences stem from various factors, including how heart conditions manifest and how they're treated.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common indication for cardiac surgery, where blocked arteries require coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to restore blood flow to the heart.  While bypass surgery is performed on both men and women, research indicates women face higher risks after surgery.  However, advances in medical care and growing awareness are helping improve outcomes for women.

Why Women’s Symptoms and Treatment Matter

Women often describe heart issues differently from men, experiencing subtler symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, or pain in the jaw, arm, or back instead of the typical chest pain that men experience.  These atypical symptoms sometimes lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, but growing awareness and vigilance among doctors are helping to improve early recognition.

Historically, women were less likely to receive arterial grafts during surgery, which have better durability, but this is changing.  The medical community is actively improving practices to ensure women receive optimal care, leading to better outcomes and more confidence in their treatment.

How Recovery Differs and What’s Being Done to Improve Care

Recovery after heart surgery can be more challenging for women, who are less likely to be referred for cardiac rehabilitation.

However, the medical community is making significant strides to improve care.  More women are now included in clinical trials, leading to better treatment guidelines.  There’s also growing awareness among health care providers about gender differences in cardiovascular health, ensuring more equitable treatment.  Additionally, the increasing number of women physicians in cardiology and cardiovascular surgery has been shown to improve outcomes for female patients.

While women face unique challenges in cardiac surgery, ongoing efforts aim to provide the best possible care for all patients.