Global review finds women with the same conditions receive fewer active treatments
A global review of 38 studies found women with the same health conditions as men are far less likely to be offered active treatments (surgery, stents, pain relief, statins) in conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, and Parkinson’s, with 33 studies showing this disparity. Men were more likely to receive procedures like bypass or deep brain stimulation, while women faced longer catheter use in dialysis and less access to permanent options. No significant gaps were seen for stroke or diabetes, and dementia treatment favored women. The study suggests the gap isn’t due to different clinical needs or guidelines but potential bias and misattribution of women’s symptoms, urging clinicians to base decisions on clinical grounds.
