Historically acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been viewed primarily as a male disease. Nevertheless, recent data suggest that cardiovascular disease is more prevalent among women than among men. Women are often undertreated, with less aggressive preventative strategies and lower revascularization rates than men. In addition, women tend to display more atypical cardiac symptoms, which delays cardiovascular disease diagnosis. Consequently, women are more likely than men to suffer adverse cardiovascular outcomes after a myocardial infarction.1

Cardiogenic shock (CS), as a complication of AMI, continues to be associated with an increased in-hospital mortality rate.2, 3, 4 In patients with cardiogenic shock, cardiac power is found to be an independent hemodynamic factor associated with increased in-hospital mortality.5 Subgroup analysis of the SHOCK registry revealed that the female gender is an independent risk factor for reduced cardiac power.5 Hence, CS tends to occur more frequently in females as compared to males.3

The implementation of shock protocols, which involve early recognition and the utilization of invasive procedures like percutaneous coronary re-interventions and mechanical circulatory devices, have been demonstrated to improve outcomes in cases of AMI with CS.4 However, earlier studies have reported that female patients received fewer invasive cardiac procedures than male patients, including reperfusion, right heart catheterization, and mechanical circulatory support.4

Currently, there is limited availability of studies that have explored the gender disparities in outcomes of post-AMI with CS. Women either participated less often in cardiovascular studies or were excluded.1,2 We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to thoroughly analyze the existing literature, aiming to enhance our understanding of the outcomes and management strategies for female patients with AMI in conjunction with CS.