Heart Disease in Women

 Therefore, it is the second topic on the research agenda of the Dutch Heart Foundation (DHF), and an important pillar of The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (Gender and Health). In recent years, effort has been made to integrate the theme of sex and gender differences in CV research in most research areas. Also, the dedicated consortia CREW and Queen of Hearts have been raised, supported by the DHF, to address women-specific issues with respect to CVD, including migraine (which appeared a major CV risk factor in young women), pre-eclampsia (and vascular complications during pregnancy) and venous thrombosis (in relation with the use of anticonceptives). However, important issues for women and society remain for which we propose a working group. The working group will focus on 2 important topics that warrant attention.  The first is on women with symptoms and signs of ischemia (persistent chest pain) but without obstructive coronary artery disease (including NOCAD and HFpEF). The second is on women with accelerated atherosclerosis development in relation to high (female-specific) risk factor burden. The working group will bring together the leading (inter)national researchers and cardiologists on these topics to exchange information, build international networks, write grant proposals and find alternative sources for research funding.