EHN Response to European Parliament SANT Committee Consultation on Women's Health

The European Heart Network (EHN) has submitted its response to the European Parliament’s SANT Committee consultation on women’s health, highlighting the urgent need to shift from a male-centric medical model to a gender-responsive approach. This consultation will inform upcoming initiatives within the SANT Committee, aiming to drive more equitable healthcare policies. We encourage all stakeholders to actively participate in this crucial dialogue to ensure meaningful progress.

Addressing the Silent Threat: CVD in Women
Women face significant challenges in cardiovascular disease (CVD) diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms often differ from those in men—manifesting as abdominal pain rather than chest pain—leading to frequent misdiagnoses and delays in care. Additionally, many women remain unaware of CVD risks associated with pregnancy and menopause, and healthcare providers lack accessible information on these critical factors.
Despite CVD being the leading cause of death for women in Europe—accounting for 45% of female deaths compared to 39% of male deaths—medical research and treatment guidelines remain male-centric. Women have higher mortality rates post-heart attack, with 11.8% dying within 30 days compared to 4.6% of men, and 32.1% dying within five years compared to 16.9% of men. Strong EU-wide standards must be established to support national efforts and prevent commercial interests from dictating healthcare priorities.

Closing the Gender Gap in Medical Research
Historically, medical research has prioritised men, leading to misdiagnoses and ineffective treatments for women. Increasing female representation in clinical trials and leveraging real-world data sources—such as patient registries and patient-reported outcomes (PROs)—are essential for developing more accurate and effective treatments. Greater awareness of critical health transitions, including menopause and cancer, is needed to help women and healthcare providers better understand associated risks and improve preventive care strategies.

Policy Actions for Gender-Sensitive Research
Policymakers must support funding initiatives that mandate gender-balanced studies and promote research on gender-based differences in symptoms and treatment responses. By fostering and disseminating this knowledge among healthcare professionals and the public, we can advance more accurate diagnoses, personalised treatments, and improved health outcomes for women.

Incorporating Inclusivity in Women’s Health Research
A truly comprehensive approach to women’s health must also recognise the healthcare needs of transgender individuals. Their inclusion in medical studies is critical for ensuring accurate and holistic healthcare research. Investigating differences in treatment responses, symptom manifestations, and interactions between gender-affirming therapies and other medical conditions will help ensure better healthcare outcomes for all.