Sex-specific epidemiology and prevention of cardiovascular disease: transformative strategies for women across the life course

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) research in women has revealed that sex-specific risk trajectories, biological influences, and societal determinants uniquely impact disease development, progression, and outcomes. Despite CVD being the predominant cause of mortality in women worldwide, traditional paradigms often underrepresent or inadequately address female-specific epidemiologic patterns and prevention needs. Recent work has demonstrated significant differences related to reproductive health events, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and menopause, as well as intersecting factors like race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and comorbid conditions. While understanding has grown, the translation of findings into actionable, equitable prevention strategies remains insufficient.



The landscape for women’s CVD epidemiology is rapidly evolving, highlighted by nuanced risk assessment tools, the incorporation of genomic and digital phenotyping approaches, and expanding research on population trends in both common and under-recognized CVD subtypes. Studies emphasize the importance of tailored risk stratification—integrating pregnancy history, menopause, and complex multimorbidity—yet standard risk models and interventions are still not routinely attuned to women’s diverse experiences. Efforts to address these gaps have shed light on barriers at the policy, healthcare system, and community levels, as well as the urgent need for large, representative, and intersectional data to guide scalable solutions.



This Research Topic aims to catalyze the next generation of research dedicated to the epidemiology and prevention of cardiovascular disease in women. It seeks to foster meaningful advances in risk profiling, intervention development, and equitable implementation, while highlighting sex-specific evidence and methodological rigor necessary for improved population health. Submissions are encouraged that bridge discovery to real-world practice and inform effective policies to reduce the unique CVD burden faced by women.



To gather further insights in the dynamic field of women's cardiovascular disease epidemiology and prevention, we invite articles that emphasize prevention and risk profiling in women across diverse populations and life stages. We welcome research addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:



Epidemiology and life-course cardiovascular risk (including trends by age, race/ethnicity, and reproductive health factors)

Risk assessment, stratification, and model development tailored to women, including biomarker and digital innovations

Evidence-based primary and secondary prevention interventions, clinician and patient implementation strategies, and population health programs

Social, structural, and policy determinants of CVD risk and preventive care access, with intersectional and equity-focused analyses

Methodological advancements: sex-disaggregated analyses, robust causal inference, representative cohort designs, and transparent reporting standards

Keywords: cardiovascular disease, women, epidemiology, prevention, risk assessment, life-course, reproductive health, sex differences, multimorbidity, health equity, social determinants, risk stratification, implementation science, policy, and population health

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.