Women in Cardiovascular Trials

Female representation remained lower than expected from disease prevalence and varied by disease area. Lower cardiovascular disease prevalence in women does not fully explain their under-representation in cardiovascular trials. Women have been persistently under-represented in cardiovascular trials. Female enrolment in major cardiovascular randomized trials increased from 21% in 1986-1990 to 33% in 2011-2015. Trial evidence based mainly on men can reduce the strength and relevance of guideline recommendations for women.