Sex and the cardiovascular system: the intriguing tale of how women and men regulate cardiovascular function differently

Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, Center for Gender Physiology and Environmental Adaptation, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri Address for reprint requests and other correspondence: V. H. Huxley, Dept. of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, Center for Ge...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inAdvances in physiology education Vol. 31; no. 1; pp. 17 - 22
Main Author Huxley, Virginia H
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States American Physiological Society 01.03.2007
Subjects
Blood pressure
Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena
Cardiovascular system
Cardiovascular System - anatomy & histology
Cardiovascular System - metabolism
Clinical Diagnosis
Female
Gender Differences
Gonadal Steroid Hormones - metabolism
Heart Disorders
Heart rate
Human Body
Humans
Hypertension
Male
Models, Cardiovascular
Pathology
Physical Health
Physiology
Sex Characteristics
Sex Factors
Wellness
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Summary:Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, Center for Gender Physiology and Environmental Adaptation, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri Address for reprint requests and other correspondence: V. H. Huxley, Dept. of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, Center for Gender Physiology and Environmental Adaptation, Univ. of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212 ( HuxleyV{at}health.missouri.edu ) Abstract The ability to recognize and appreciate from a reproductive standpoint that males and females possess different attributes has been long standing. Only more recently have we begun to look more deeply into both the similarities and differences between men and women, as well as between boys and girls, with respect to the structure and function of other organ systems. This article focuses on the cardiovascular system, with examples of sex differences in the control of coronary function, blood pressure, and volume. Recognizing the differences between the sexes with respect to cardiovascular function facilitates understanding of the mechanisms whereby homeostasis can be achieved using different contributions or components of the living system. Furthermore, recognition of the differences as well as the similarities permits the design of appropriate diagnostic instruments, recognition of sex-specific pathophysiology, and implementation of appropriate treatment of cardiovascular disease in men and women. Key words: heart rate; blood pressure; volume homeostasis; microvascular function
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ISSN:1043-4046
1522-1229
DOI:10.1152/advan.00099.2006