Sex Differences in the Impact of Physical Activity Across the Spectrum of Cardiovascular Disease

TL;DR

Women gain greater cardiovascular and mortality benefits from physical activity than men, even with less exercise, due to biological and hormonal differences.

Contribution

The paper highlights sex-specific differences in the impact of physical activity on cardiovascular disease outcomes.

Findings

Women experience a relatively greater mortality risk reduction from physical activity compared to men.

Cardiac rehabilitation is highly effective for women but has low referral and participation rates.

Tailored, sex-specific exercise recommendations are needed to optimize cardiovascular health in women.

Abstract

To synthesize current evidence on sex-related differences in physiological responses, clinical outcomes, and implementation of exercise training across different cardiovascular disease phenotypes.

Physical activity provides benefits regardless of the patient’s sex, improves cardiovascular health and overall quality of life. Studies have found that women experience a relatively greater mortality risk reduction compared to men.

Women gain greater cardiovascular and mortality benefits fromphysical activity than men, even with less exercise. Biological and hormonaldifferences shape distinct exercise responses and outcomes between sexes.Cardiac rehabilitation is highly effective for women but faces low referral andparticipation rates. Tailored, sex-specific exercise recommendations areneeded to optimize cardiovascular health in women.