Strategies to enhance recruitment of female participants to cardiovascular research: a joint British Cardiovascular Societies' consensus document in collaboration with the British Heart Foundation Clinical Research Collaborative.

Abstract

Despite significant progress in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy and interventional strategies, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among females in the UK and worldwide. This might be due to lack of robust evidence in the best care of females with CVD related to under-representation of females in clinical trials (females accounting for <30% of trial participants). Recently, the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS), together with the affiliated societies, put together a consensus document specifically describing the current status on the sex differences in each of the major disease areas and proposed strategies/actionable points to overcome the barriers in access to diagnosis and treatment of CVD among females.In order to address the disparities, several research organisations, including the UK National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), have produced guidance to diversify research participation and representation. The UK government has developed a Women's Health Strategy for England. In the present consensus, we evaluate the barriers to research participation of female participants across the CVD spectrum and describe specific strategies/actionable points to enhance female involvement in clinical cardiovascular research. It is hoped that this document will stimulate a multifaceted approach to address disparities, including raising awareness and undertaking sex/gender-based research. We aim to improve the current status of management in various disease areas among females by collaboration across different affiliations within the BCS, the British Heart Foundation Clinical Research Collaborative and the NIHR to collectively work towards improving the health and well-being of females with CVD.