A groundbreaking study has unveiled an innovative risk score specifically designed to predict and categorize the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in women. This vital research has been published in the reputable journal, *Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging*.

Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death among women not just in the U.S., but across Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. Surprisingly, due to a traditional focus on male patients in cardiovascular research, women's unique risks and presentations are frequently overlooked. As Dr. Guillermo Romero-Farina, the study’s lead author and esteemed cardiologist at the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona, points out, “Women are often underrepresented in research studies, and in some settings may be excluded. Risk stratification in women is particularly important because the clinical manifestation of coronary disease may differ from that in men and is often atypical.”

This research introduces the Coronary Risk Score in Women (CORSWO), a dedicated model allowing physicians to effectively identify women at risk of severe cardiovascular events—such as heart attacks, strokes, or even death. Proper risk stratification can help facilitate better healthcare responses particularly tailored to female patients.

A Tailored Approach to Risk Assessment

In this extensive retrospective study, Dr. Romero-Farina and his dedicated team analyzed data from 2,226 women aged between 40 and 93 who sought evaluation at the Nuclear Cardiology Unit of Vall d’Hebron University Hospital. Each participant underwent gated SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging, a cutting-edge procedure that provides simultaneous insights into both left ventricular function and myocardial perfusion.

With an average follow-up span of approximately four years—some up to a decade—the researchers meticulously tracked major adverse cardiovascular events that led patients back to the hospital. Using eight critical variables, the CORSWO effectively calculated individual cardiac event risks, classifying subjects into four distinct risk profiles: low, moderate, high, and very high.

Dr. Romero-Farina emphasized the importance of this classification, stating, “By organizing patients into varying risk levels from low to very high, healthcare providers can better allocate resources and tailored treatments to those most in need.” Remarkably, the CORSWO demonstrated superior predictive power in identifying women at high or very high risk when juxtaposed with existing risk models.

Transforming Cardiac Care for Women

The study marks a significant advancement in female cardiac health, highlighting the necessity of integrating clinical, exercise, and imaging data to deliver precise risk assessments. “Our findings offer valuable insights into pinpointing women who are at high or very high risk,” noted Dr. Romero-Farina. “This approach allows us to catch potential heart issues earlier, especially life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths, which are paramount for cardiologists to prevent.”

As healthcare continues to evolve, this innovative scoring system paves the way for more personalized and effective cardiovascular care for women. By drawing greater attention to how heart disease presents in female patients, we move closer to a future where gender-based differences in medical research are recognized and addressed.

Stay informed as we continue to monitor advancements in cardiovascular health and keep advocating for the inclusion of women in critical health studies. Your heart deserves the same attention as anyone else’s!