Munich, Germany – 19 February 2026 – A significant gap in cardiovascular care is coming into sharper focus: women experiencing acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are often underserved by existing research and treatment protocols. Preliminary results from the Italian GEDI-ACS registry, presented today at the EAPCI Summit 2026, underscore the urgent need for a more nuanced, gender-specific approach to heart attack care. This isn’t simply a matter of inclusivity; it’s a matter of life and death, as women historically face a higher risk of mortality following ACS events compared to men of the same age.
- Sex-specific differences exist and yet women are often underrepresented in clinical trials in acute coronary syndromes (ACS).
- The EU-funded Gender, Diversity and Inclusion–Acute Coronary Syndromes (GEDI–ACS) registry is the first, prospective, multicentre, observational, non-randomised, Italian registry designed to evaluate the clinical, imaging, biochemical and molecular profiles of women with ACS.
- Preliminary results related to comorbidities, pregnancy, menopause, psychosocial factors and non-obstructive coronary disease highlight the need for more personalised and gender-specific approaches to prevention, treatment and support.
For decades, cardiovascular research has largely been conducted on male subjects, leading to a ‘male-centric’ understanding of heart disease. This has resulted in diagnostic tools and treatment strategies that may not be optimally effective for women, whose presentation of ACS can differ significantly. Women are more likely to experience atypical symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and back pain, leading to delays in diagnosis. Furthermore, hormonal factors, autoimmune diseases, and psychosocial stressors – all more prevalent in women – play a complex role in cardiovascular health that has been historically understudied.
The GEDI-ACS registry, enrolling 100 women across multiple Italian centers, is a crucial step towards rectifying this imbalance. Initial data from the first 68 patients reveals a complex interplay of risk factors. Beyond traditional concerns like hypertension and dyslipidemia, the study highlights the impact of reproductive events (miscarriage, premature menopause), autoimmune conditions, and mental health (anxiety/depression). Notably, a significant proportion (38.2%) of patients presented with MINOCA – myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries – a condition poorly understood and lacking standardized treatment protocols. The high rate of low health literacy (85.3%) among participants also points to a critical need for improved patient education and communication.
The Forward Look: The GEDI-ACS registry is not an isolated event. It’s part of a growing global movement demanding greater attention to sex-specific differences in healthcare. We can anticipate several key developments in the coming years. First, the full dataset from the GEDI-ACS registry, combined with genetic and molecular analysis as planned by Principal Investigator Professor Alaide Chieffo, will likely lead to the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets specific to women with ACS. Second, expect increased pressure on pharmaceutical companies and regulatory bodies to mandate the inclusion of sufficient female representation in clinical trials. Third, the findings will likely fuel the development of gender-specific guidelines for ACS diagnosis and management, potentially incorporating risk scores tailored to women’s unique risk profiles. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this research will hopefully drive a broader cultural shift within the medical community, fostering a greater awareness of the distinct cardiovascular needs of women and promoting more equitable care. The focus on MINOCA, in particular, is likely to spur dedicated research into the underlying mechanisms and optimal treatment strategies for this increasingly recognized condition.
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