The current guidelines for the treatment of heart failure recommend the same therapies for both men and women. 1 Should there be any differences? It is difficult to determine what is the best therapy for women since most heart failure studies have included only patients with systolic dysfunction (when the heart is weak and doesn't contract with enough force). 2
Can we learn anything from the large trials that have studied medical therapy for heart failure patients? We can review the literature but must keep in mind that the data regarding women is limited by small sample size, population studied (i.e. weak hearts instead of those with normal systolic heart function), and study design. 2
References
Treatment is focused on
Find a Cleveland Clinic heart doctor who specializes in heart failure in women
written with Dr. Eileen Hsich, specialist in Women & Heart Failure
