Women’s heart disease research in the netherlands: angina with non-obstructive coronary artery disease and beyond

Cardiovascular disease in women has historically been underrepresented in research. In recent years, several funding bodies, including the Dutch Heart Foundation, have launched numerous research initiatives and consortia in the Netherlands to address knowledge gaps in women. This article provides an overview of the current landscape of cardiovascular disease in women and emphasizes the critical need for continued investment in this field. One area with urgent knowledge gaps is the early detection, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of Angina with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (ANOCA) in women with persistent signs and symptoms of ischemia. In the Netherlands, in recent years, we have established a robust clinical infrastructure and a translational framework that enables us to address these challenges. Additionally, we have performed implementation studies to fast-track knowledge on ANOCA in clinical practice, giving us a unique opportunity to transform clinical care for women with signs and symptoms of ischemia. We advocate for a broad perspective that incorporates characteristics such as ethnicity, socio-economic background, and female-specific risk factors. Our goal is to provide solid evidence to ensure the best possible care for all women suffering from persistent signs and symptoms of ischemia.