Molecular and Cellular Basis of Cardiovascular Gender Differences.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the major cause of morbidity andmortality for both men and women, occur uncommonly in premenopausalwomen, but their incidence rises sharply after the menopausaltransition. Cardiovascular gender differences are apparent long beforeCVDs appear in men and women, and improved understanding of the biologyunderlying these differences has the potential to advance the diagnosisand treatment of CVDs in both sexes. This review considers genderdifferences in the molecular and cellular physiology of the heart andblood vessels in health and disease, highlighting understudied areasthat can help resolve the current controversy regarding hormonereplacement therapy and improve cardiovascular health in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]