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The under-representation of women in cardiovascular clinical trials persists across participant, clinician and research roles. This gap perpetuates health inequity and hampers the generation, translation and implementation of optimal evidence-based care. Urgent action is needed to address barriers, promote diversity, and ensure inclusive trial design and health-care delivery and dissemination, for more equitable cardiovascular health.
Novel cardiovascular therapeutics have the potential to improve health outcomes, but financial toxicity from high out-of-pocket costs can limit the reach of these medications and worsen existing health disparities. Understanding the phenomenon of financial toxicity in treating cardiovascular disease is crucial to achieving health equity.
In this Comment, we critically examine the association between the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods and their negative effect on cardiovascular health. We explore the historical evolution of food processing, the Nova food classification and the epidemiological evidence, and highlight the need for urgent public health interventions.
