Arterial vascular disease in women.
BACKGROUND
Arterial disease in women will become a major issue in the near future.


METHODS
A systemic review of existing literature was retrospectively conducted to collect information on the three most common entities of vascular disease: carotid atherosclerotic, abdominal aortic aneurismal, and lower extremity arterial occlusive disease.


RESULTS
Vascular disease is either underdiagnosed or undertreated in women. Whether regarding cerebrovascular disease, aortic aneurysmal disease, or atherosclerosis affecting the lower extremities, natural history, clinical and physiologic patterns are different in women vs men. Current biomedical devices create challenges in endovascular procedures performed in women. Furthermore, indications for treatment of vascular disease are derived from large studies where women are often underrepresented; and, thus, may not be applicable in female vascular patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Better understanding of the gender differences in vascular disease with focused randomized trials, biomedical research, and identification of gender specific medical and social risk factors will improve the clinical outcomes in female patients.
Vouyouka
Ageliki G
AG
Division of Vascular Surgery, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Cornell University, Weill Medical School and Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10021, USA. agv9002@med.cornell.edu
Kent
K Craig
KC
D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply*; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D012737:Sex Factors; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures; D016387:Women's Health
D002317:Cardiovascular Agents