A new analysis reveals that women are less likely than men to receive treatment for aortic stenosis, a potentially life-threatening heart condition.
The research indicates that women are 11% less likely to be referred to a hospital specialist after being diagnosed with aortic stenosis, a heart valve disease.
Researchers state that the findings reveal “inequities in management and care of this common and serious condition.” The data also showed disparities in care for South Asian and Black patients, as well as those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Aortic stenosis involves a narrowing of the aortic valve or the area surrounding it, hindering blood flow from the heart. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, chest pain, and breathlessness.
The condition is more prevalent among older individuals.
While the condition cannot be reversed, treatments such as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) or valve replacement surgery are available.
Untreated aortic stenosis can result in severe complications, including heart failure, heart rhythm abnormalities, and even death.
The analysis suggests that certain populations are less likely to receive this critical treatment.
Experts from the University of Leicester analyzed GP data from 155,000 individuals diagnosed with aortic stenosis in England between 2000 and 2022.
Presenting their findings at the British Cardiovascular Society conference in Manchester, the experts reported that, in addition to being less likely to be referred for hospital care, women are 39% less likely to undergo a procedure to replace their aortic valve.
The researchers also discovered that individuals residing in poorer neighborhoods are 7% less likely to be referred for hospital care after diagnosis, compared to those from wealthier areas.
Furthermore, Black patients are 48% less likely to undergo aortic valve replacement compared to White patients.
South Asian patients are 27% less likely to undergo the procedure compared to their White counterparts, according to the study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and supported by the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre.
Dr. Anvesha Singh, Associate Professor at the University of Leicester and consultant cardiologist involved in the research, stated, “Previous studies have indicated lower rates of valve replacement in women, and clinicians had assumed women were less likely to be diagnosed with aortic stenosis.”
“This analysis, utilizing extensive real-world data, demonstrates that this is not the case, providing us with the clearest understanding yet of the situation in everyday clinical practice.”
“Our study highlights potential inequities in the management and care of this common and serious condition. Further research is needed to understand the underlying reasons and the true prevalence of aortic stenosis across different groups.”
Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director at the British Heart Foundation, which supported the research, and consultant cardiologist, commented, “This study of over 150,000 GP records has revealed disparities in access to aortic valve treatment for women, South Asian and Black individuals, and people living in more deprived communities.”
“While we don’t yet have a complete understanding, these findings are concerning, and more research is required to identify the factors driving these differences.”
“This understanding is crucial to enabling action to address any underlying causes preventing some people from receiving the heart valve treatment and care they require, when they need it.”
