A systematic review of healthcare experiences of women and men living with coronary heart disease

Abstract: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for people worldwide, yet differences in the likelihood of receiving optimal care occur depend on gender. This study therefore aimed to explore the healthcare experiences of men and women living with CHD. A systematic search of qualitative research was undertaken, following PRISMA guidelines. Forty-three studies were included for review, involving 1512 people (62% women, 38% men; 0% non-binary or gender diverse). Thematic synthesis of the data identified four themes: (1) assumptions about CHD; (2) gender assigned roles; (3) interactions with health care; and (4) return to ‘normal’ life. A multilevel approach across the entire ecosystem of healthcare is required to improve equity in care experienced by people living with CHD. This will involve challenging both the individuals’ knowledge of CHD and awareness of health professionals to entrenched gender bias in the health system that predominantly favours men.