Radiation protection measures and sex distribution in European interventional catheterisation laboratories

Perceptions of cardiology, professional preferences and impact on career choices among Portuguese cardiologists: Results from the Portuguese Society of Cardiology's Women and Cardiology Task Force survey

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Cardiology has not been seen as an attractive specialty, and women have avoided it for many years. Some surveys have been performed in other countries, but in Portugal, the situation is largely unknown.

METHODS

An online survey on perceptions of cardiology and professional preferences was sent to 1371 members of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology, of whom 18.2% completed the survey.

RESULTS

We included 219 cardiologists or cardiology trainees, of whom 50.2% were female, with decreasing proportions from younger to older age groups, in which males still predominate. Women are less often married and more frequently childless, particularly those working in an invasive subspecialty, where they represent only 16% of all respondents working in these areas. Men's perception is that women do not choose these areas due to family reasons, radiation concerns and difficult working conditions, but from the female perspective, male dominance, lack of female role models and restricted access are the main barriers. Women consider it is difficult for them to obtain a leadership role, but men do not think the same (75.5% vs. 27.5%).

CONCLUSION

In Portugal, females predominate in younger age groups, suggesting a paradigm change. Women are less frequently married and more frequently childless, particularly women working in invasive subspecialties. Women consider that it is more difficult for them to obtain a leadership role. Moreover, the barriers reported by women are substantially different from men regarding the reasons for not choosing an invasive subspecialty.

Radiation protection for healthcare professionals working in catheterisation laboratories during pregnancy: a statement of the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) in collaboration with the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), the ESC Regulatory Affairs Committee and Women as One

The European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI), the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Regulatory Affairs Committee and Women as One support continuous review and improvement, not only in the practice of assuring patients a high quality of care but also in providing health professionals with support documents to help them in their career and enhance gender equity. Recent surveys have revealed that radiation exposure is commonly reported as the primary barrier for women pursuing a career in interventional cardiology or cardiac electrophysiology (EP). The fear of foetal exposure to radiation during pregnancy may lead to a prolonged interruption in their career. Accordingly, this joint statement aims to provide a clear statement on radiation risk and the existing data on the experience of radiation-exposed cardiologists who continue to work in catheterisation laboratories (cath labs) throughout their pregnancies. In order to reduce the barrier preventing women from accessing these careers, increased knowledge in the community is warranted. Finally, by going beyond simple observations and review of the literature, our document suggests proposals for improving workplace safety and for encouraging equity.

Differences in coronary artery disease and outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents in women and men

INTRODUCTION

Despite common perceptions, coronary artery disease (CAD) is not a male-specific condition, and sex-based differences do occur in many aspects, including clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation. New-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) significantly improved post-PCI outcomes. However, no sex-specific guidelines on PCI and the use of DES are available as current evidence was derived from clinical trials enrolling predominantly male patients.

AREAS COVERED

This review aims at exploring sex-based disparities in CAD characteristics and manifestations, and comparing PCI outcomes and the efficacy and safety profiles of DES according to sex. In addition, a critical approach to trials' interpretation with an analysis of sources of bias is provided to inform future research and clinical practice.

EXPERT OPINION

Sex gap in clinical outcomes after PCI with DES implantation is narrowing due to improved performances of new-generation DES. However, scientific research and biomedical engineering are striving to optimize DES profiles and generate new iterations of devices. At the same time, gender initiatives and sex-specific trials are accruing to overcome current issues in the field. Advances in these areas will foster improvements in early and long-term clinical outcomes of both women and men.