Published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, the systematic review, co-led by Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) Dr Kylie Short, identified a significant gender data gap, with just 26% of studies specifically focused on differences between women and men.
In an accompanying viewpoint article, researchers call for greater consideration of sex and gender differences in cardiovascular research to strengthen the evidence informing women’s healthcare.
UC Senior Lecturer in Health Sciences, Dr Short, says the findings reflect a longstanding issue in cardiovascular research and healthcare.
“Our research found that there’s a gender gap in heart health research for women in Aotearoa New Zealand. Women tend to be under-researched, underdiagnosed and undertreated, and there’s evidence that they have poorer health outcomes.
“It’s a much bigger systemic issue that’s developed over many years. Historically, heart disease has been seen as predominantly a men’s disease. Women haven’t been as well represented in the research, and international guidelines haven’t necessarily reflected women’s needs,” Dr Short says.
“We have a real opportunity to recognise the gaps in women’s heart health research and make a difference moving forward.”
Dr Short says one of the most significant findings is that the outcomes are even more concerning for Māori and Pacific women, who experience poorer health outcomes and greater long-term impacts of cardiovascular disease on themselves and their families.
“We need to focus on culturally sensitive, gender-specific research moving forward so we can improve outcomes for women. Improving outcomes for women is not just about their individual health – it will improve the health of families and communities and have an impact on our health system as a whole.”
“First and foremost, we need a collaborative approach. We need researchers, clinicians and women working together. We all need to be at the table to tackle this.”
The research was undertaken through Pūtahi Manawa | Healthy Hearts for Aotearoa New Zealand Centre of Research Excellence, bringing together researchers and health professionals from the University of Canterbury, University of Auckland and Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora. The accompanying viewpoint article also includes contributors from the University of Otago and The Centre for Health in Tauranga. The systematic review was co-led by UC’s Dr Kylie Short and the University of Auckland’s Dr Carol Bussey, alongside Dr Susan Crabtree and Dr Julia Shanks.
