ESC Consensus Statement Calls for Women’s Heart Centers to Address Inequality in Diagnosis and Care of Cardiovascular Disease

May 29, 2026—The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) announced the publication of a report asserting that Europe needs dedicated women’s heart centers to address the inequality of cardiovascular care. ESC noted that women are more likely to face delays in diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and, as a result, they are more likely to die or develop more serious illness.

According to ESC, the report brings together the results of research on cardiovascular disease in women and how best to improve diagnosis and care. It also details how women’s health centers should be set up and run to have the biggest impact.

The ESC clinical consensus statement was published by Julia Grapsa, MD, et al in the European Heart Journal. Dr. Grapso led a group of international experts on behalf of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging, the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions, the Heart Failure Association, and the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care of the ESC.

ESC noted that Dr. Grapsa, who is a former chair of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging’s gender and equity group, practiced in Europe for 20 years and is now based at the Mass General Brigham Heart & Vascular Institute in Boston, Massachusetts.

As summarized by ESC, the report highlights the positive impact of existing women’s heart centers in North America and centers or programs in some European countries, including Switzerland, Germany, and the United Kingdom. ESC noted that evidence suggests that these centers and programs can improve diagnosis, reduce symptoms, and enhance quality of life for women with cardiovascular disease.

Among the key points highlighted in the ESC press release, the clinical consensus statement advises that women’s heart centers should act as hubs within existing cardiovascular care facilities, providing leadership, advanced diagnostics, expert consultation, research coordination, and education.