From background to solutions: Eliminating sex gaps in clinical electrophysiology practice

Ram Amuthan; Anne B Curtis

doi:10.1016/j.hroo.2022.09.004

From background to solutions: Eliminating sex gaps in clinical electrophysiology practice

Heart Rhythm O2. 2022 Dec 16;3(6Part B):817-826. doi: 10.1016/j.hroo.2022.09.004. eCollection 2022 Dec.

Authors

Ram Amuthan¹, Anne B Curtis¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York.

Abstract

Sex, a biological construct, and gender, a sociocultural construct, both influence the epidemiology and outcomes of various cardiac arrhythmias, leading to disparities that have been observed in clinical practice. Addressing disparities is crucial to improve the quality of clinical care. We recognize gender equality as the ultimate goal to ensuring equitable health care and propose the following strategies to achieve the goal: sex- and gender-stratified research, quality improvement initiatives, implicit bias training, promotion of women into leadership positions in cardiology, peer support, and shared decision-making to help mitigate disparities. However, further research on how to improve the widespread adoption and implementation of such strategies in the clinical setting is required.

Keywords: Cardiac arrhythmias; Gender; Sex; Sex differences; Sex gaps.

Publication types

Review