THE ESSENTIAL
- Mineral deposits that disrupt the proper functioning of aortic valves are slower in women
- This demonstrates the need for a specific approach to treat aortic stenosis in women
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Among the health differences between men and women, heart disease is at the top of the list. We know for example that the occurrence of a heart attack does not manifest itself in the same way in a man and that the warning signs are more discreet in women (because less known).
A team of scientists from Canada highlights yet another difference in the heart functions of men and women. In this study, researcher Maria Cerruti, a professor in the materials engineering department at McGill University (Canada), analyzed damaged heart valves from transplant patients. The examinations were carried out at the Canadian Center for Synchrotron Light (CCRS) at the University of Saskatchewan.
Published in the journal Acta Biomaterialia, the study mentions considerable differences in the mineral deposits found in the aortic valves of men and women with aortic stenosis. This potentially fatal heart disease is caused by a narrowing of the opening of the aortic valve.
“We have unexpectedly discovered that minerals are different in composition and shape, and that they grow more slowly in women, observes Dr. Cerruti.
Take better account of the diversity of patient profiles
According to the researcher, these conclusions demonstrate the importance of including more diversity in the methodologies used to carry out scientific research. We know, for example, that clinical trials have long been carried out exclusively on men or male animal models.
“Our study is a perfect illustration of the fact that by looking at only one specific population, the data will be skewed. Having a more diverse set of data improves knowledge,” says Pre Cerruti, who emphasizes the need to develop different diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to treat aortic stenosis in men or women.
The researcher wishes to study this cardiovascular phenomenon in more detail in order to better understand the precise composition of the mineral deposits detected in the aortic valves of women. “There may be easier ways to target and dissolve these minerals in women,” said the scientist.
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