Sex and Gender Differences in Myocarditis and Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

116 Scopus citations

Abstract

Heart failure due to nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) contributes significantly to the global burden of cardiovascular disease. Myocarditis is, in turn, a major cause of acute DCM in both men and women. However, recent clinical and experimental evidence suggests that the pathogenesis and prognosis of DCM differ between the sexes. This seminar provides a contemporary perspective on the immune mediators of myocarditis, including interdependent elements of the innate and adaptive immune response. The heart's acute response to injury is influenced by sex hormones that appear to determine the subsequent risk of chronic DCM. Preliminary data suggest additional genetic variations may account for some of the differences in epidemiology, left ventricular recovery, and survival between men and women. We highlight the gaps in our knowledge regarding the management of women with acute DCM and discuss emerging therapies, including bromocriptine for the treatment of peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)7-46
Number of pages40
JournalCurrent Problems in Cardiology
Volume38
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Sex and Gender Differences in Myocarditis and Dilated Cardiomyopathy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this