Data shows that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in the US and reveals a persistent gap in care and access between men and women. One of the main contributors to this gap is a limited understanding of the biological differences between women and men, specifically surrounding how CVD manifests itself in puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Similarly, cardiovascular research and clinical studies often underrepresent women, resulting in subpar treatment outcomes. A lack of knowledge, gender-specific medical training, and investment further exacerbate this disparity.
Addressing this gap could lead to an increase of at least 1.6 million years of quality life and boost the US economy by $28 billion annually by 2040. The report identifies several pathways to begin to narrow the gap, including:
● Advancing sex-specific research, from basic sciences to clinical trials;
● Improving routine health data collection, diagnostics, and treatment algorithms;
● Equipping healthcare providers across the care continuum;
● Raising public awareness and tailoring prevention strategies for heart health across the life span.
“We know that women’s health encompasses much more than reproductive and maternal health,” said Lucy Pérez report co-author, McKinsey Health Institute Coleader and Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company. "Between the disproportionate impact that cardiovascular health has on women, also in ways that are different from men, and the major health and economic opportunity that exists to address it, expanding research and investment in women's heart health will help mitigate the negative outcomes of cardiovascular disease we're seeing in the US.”
“It is important for us to have these conversations early, because cardiovascular disease affects women of all ages and phases of life,” shared Megan Greenfield, report co-author, McKinsey Health Institute Affiliated Leader and Partner at McKinsey & Company. “Take pregnancy, for example. CVD is the leading cause of maternal deaths in the US. Addressing the gaps that exist in care delivery, evolving medical school training, and early childhood education to reflect biological differences between men and women are just some actions that can help close the women’s heart health gap.”
“In 1924, the physicians who founded the American Heart Association believed that better understanding of heart disease would lead to better outcomes. Today we know it’s not enough to understand the disease, we also need to understand the patient,” said Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the American Heart Association. “A woman’s risk for heart disease and stroke changes over the course of her life. As the Association celebrates its centennial year, we’re calling on individuals and industry leaders to join us in supporting innovative strategies that will allow women to live longer, healthier lives free from heart disease and stroke. As the Association moves into its second century of lifesaving work, we are poised to meet the new challenges head on. We are working in new and exciting ways to fill gaps in scientific research and improve how findings impact real-world care faster.”
The report builds on research published by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with the McKinsey Health Institute earlier this year outlining the health and economic case for closing the women’s health gap worldwide.
Read the report here.
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About the McKinsey Health Institute
The McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) is an enduring, non-profit-generating entity within the firm. MHI believes, over the next decade, humanity could add as much as 45 billion extra years of higher-quality life, which is roughly six years per person on average — and substantially more in some countries and populations. MHI’s mission is to catalyze the actions needed across continents, sectors, and communities to realize this possibility.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 – our Centennial year – we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.