Women's cardiovascular health in Aotearoa New Zealand: insights from a systematic literature review.
Kylie Short, Carol T Bussey, Susan M Crabtree et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review synthesised research on women’s cardiovascular health in Aotearoa New Zealand, including clinical outcomes, awareness and lived experience. Searches covered studies published from 2000 to 2024 and identified 61 papers. Across the literature, women experienced delayed diagnosis and were less likely to receive guideline-recommended treatments. Māori and Pacific women faced pronounced inequities, including higher premature cardiovascular mortality and barriers to care. The review also identified psychological burdens and reduced or delayed care, and highlighted culturally responsive, patient-centred models as important to improving outcomes.
Key findings
- The review identified 61 papers published between 2000 and 2024.
- Women with heart disease experienced delayed diagnosis and lower likelihood of receiving guideline-recommended treatments.
- Māori and Pacific women faced higher premature cardiovascular mortality and barriers to care.
- The literature described psychological burdens and reduced or delayed care among women with heart disease.
Why it matters
The findings indicate that women’s cardiovascular care in Aotearoa New Zealand is shaped by gaps in recognition, treatment and access, with inequities particularly affecting Māori and Pacific women. Recognising these patterns can inform efforts to make cardiovascular services more equitable and responsive to women’s experiences and cultural contexts.
What to keep in mind
The review’s conclusions depend on the available literature; the abstract identifies persistent knowledge gaps but does not describe the quantity or quality of evidence for individual outcomes.