Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Feb 21, 2025
Open Peer Review Period: Feb 24, 2025 - Apr 21, 2025
Date Accepted: Apr 10, 2025
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Design of the Middle East African Registry for Women's Cardiovascular Diseases (MEA-WCVD): Protocol for a Multicenter Observational Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), with a rising incidence particularly among women. Despite this, women remain significantly underrepresented in cardiovascular research, and no large-scale, multicenter prospective trials have been conducted to provide national data. To address this gap, we established the Women CardioVascular Disease Middle East African Registry (MEA-WCVD) to create a comprehensive database on the epidemiological profile and management of heart failure (HF), atrial fibrillation (AF), ischemic heart disease (IHD), and valvular heart disease (VHD) in women.
Objective:
The primary aim of this study is to compare the management of cardiovascular diseases in women and men across MEA countries in accordance with current practice guidelines. The study also seeks to identify gender-based disparities in healthcare insurance, income, and access to cardiovascular services.
Methods:
The MEA-WCVD is a prospective, observational registry involving a one-time patient visit. Patients diagnosed with HF, AF, IHD, or VHD provide informed consent, and their clinical, demographic, and management data are collected in a centralized, certified database. The registry spans an initial 75-day data collection period, with an extended follow-up protocol planned to assess 1-year clinical outcomes.
Results:
The MEA-WCVD study was funded in April 2023, and data collection began in May 2023. As of July 2023, 15,366 participants have been enrolled across 25 centers. A one-year follow-up is expected to be completed by July 2024. Data analysis is planned to commence in July 2024, with primary results anticipated for publication in March 2025. The study aims to establish the largest registry in the Middle East and Africa for HF, AF, IHD, and VHD, providing valuable insights into demographic trends, clinical management, and adherence to current guidelines
Conclusions:
The MEA-WCVD registry will provide essential real-world data on the management and outcomes of the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases (HF, AF, IHD, VHD) in MEA regions. By directly comparing standard care management between men and women, this study will highlight gender disparities and inform future strategies for equitable cardiovascular care. The registry is expected to contribute to the largest contemporary cohort of CVD patients in the region, advancing knowledge in cardiovascular epidemiology and clinical practice.
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