Figure 1.

Considerations for incorporating sex as a biological variable into basic and clinical cardiovascular research. There are differences in sex chromosomes, which dictate sex-based differences in physiology. In turn, sex-based differences in physiology can dictate sex/gender-based behaviors. Notably, this relationship is bidirectional such that sex/gender-based behaviors can influence sex-based physiology (noted with arrows). Collectively, sex chromosome, physiology, and behaviors all impact cardiovascular health with some differences and similarities between women/female and men/male. Although the terminology is still being debated, the important thing is to make sure that both sides are considered when conducting and reporting research, especially in augmenting our understanding of the left sides of these diagrams.