Participation of Women in Cardiovascular Trials From 2017 to 2023

What are the trends of participation of women in cardiovascular trials from 2017 to 2023?This systematic review of 1079 cardiovascular clinical trials registered from 2017 to 2023 found that median female:male ratios were significantly lower for trials on arrhythmia, coronary heart disease, acute coronary syndrome, and heart failure and participation:prevalence ratios were low for trials on coronary heart disease, acute coronary syndrome, and stroke. Representation of women in cardiovascular trials varied by disease state, region, intervention, and sponsor type.These findings suggest that targeted and sustained efforts, including the implementation of inclusive trial designs, enhanced outreach strategies, and regulatory policies mandating diversity, are needed to bridge this disparity.

Corresponding Author: Martha Gulati, MD, MS, Department of Cardiology, Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center, Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute, 127 S San Vicente Blvd, AHSP, A3100, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (martha.gulati@csmc.edu).

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