Gender, ethnicity, and genes in cardiovascular disease. Part 2: implications for pharmacotherapy.

Women are underrepresented in clinical trials. Lower doses of beta-blockers are required for Southeast Asians. ACE and ARB's are teratogenic in the second trimester.

Gender, ethnicity and genetics in cardiovascular disease: part 1: Basic principles.

Prior to 1993, most drug efficacy and safety trials were conducted in white males, although gender and racial differences in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics have been documented since the early 1900s. Over the last 2 decades, supported by the FDA and legislation, attempts to include more women and minorities in clinical drug trials have been made, with limited success. Yet, there are important differences in pathophysiology and pharmacogenetics, as well as pharmacotherapeutic effectiveness.