Gender inequalities

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women worldwide, yet women’s heart health remains under-recognised and under-researched. Despite clear evidence of the threat CVD poses, a major gender gap persists in how women are diagnosed, treated and supported.

• In the European Union (EU), cardiovascular diseases accounts for 40% of all female deaths, more than all cancers combined.
• Women are 20% more likely than men to die following a heart attack due to misrecognition of symptoms.
• Women wait more than five times longer than men to receive a heart failure diagnosis and are twice as likely to be misdiagnosed.
• Women with chest pain are more likely than men to wait over 12 hours before seeking medical help.

These inequalities cost lives, but together we can change that and we are deeply committed to advancing clinical practice, research and policy to close the gender gap in cardiovascular care. We strive to ensure fair funding, equitable representation in research and stronger support for women’s cardiovascular health.

The ESC’s Gender Policy highlights a clear disparity. While women make up half or more of medical graduates in the EU, they hold only between 5% and 25% of senior academic posts and cardiology positions in decision-making roles. This is something we believe must change to better serve both the cardiology community and patients.

To address these gaps, we are implementing inclusive policies and fair practices across our organisation, guided by our Gender Policy and the work of the ESC Gender Task Force. This task force tackles systemic challenges ranging from the under-research of cardiovascular disease in women to the lack of female representation in leadership and clinical trials. 

By raising awareness, promoting women’s leadership and collaborating with initiatives such as Women as One, we aim to increase visibility and create meaningful opportunities for underrepresented talent in cardiology.