Influence of Sex on Therapeutic Adherence in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Scoping Review

TL;DR

This study reviews how sex differences affect treatment adherence in cardiovascular disease patients, finding that adherence varies between males and females.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into sex-related differences in therapeutic adherence and risk prediction in cardiovascular disease.

Findings

Medication adherence for hypertension ranges from 25–83% in males and 24–80% in females.

Adherence to physical activity is lower in females compared to males in some cases.

Predictive factors for non-adherence include older age, comorbidity, and psychosocial aspects.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Females with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are often misdiagnosed, and they have sex-related psychosocial risk factors that pose specific health risks and affect their adherence to treatment. This study aims to evaluate sex differences in adherence to, and risk prediction for, secondary prevention measures in patients with cardiovascular disease. Methods: A scoping review of the literature was conducted. A search strategy was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Articles were selected according to PRISMA guidelines, focusing on studies published within the last five years involving patients with cardiovascular disease and written in English or Spanish. Bias was assessed using the CASPe questionnaire. This project has been registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF) repository under the DOI code 10.17605/OSF.IO/GYDZF. Results: Thirteen articles were retrieved. For hypertension, medication adherence ranges from 25% to 83% in males and from 24% to 80% in females. For ischemic heart disease, the range is 32–74% in males and 32–60% in females. Adherence to physical activity ranges from 21% to 72% in males and 14% to 72% in females. Predictive factors include older age, increased comorbidity, and psychosocial aspects. Conclusions: There is evidence of sex differences in medication adherence for hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and peripheral arterial disease. However, further research is required to identify the factors that predispose individuals to non-adherence.

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