About heart disease in women

This paper reviews the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease in women. 

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels. It is the leading cause of death in females in the United States. It is important to study the risk factors, as CVD and its complications (such as heart attack) often present differently in women than in men. 

In addition, studies show that women are less likely to receive preventive treatment or guidance. Treatment in women is likely to be less aggressive than in men, and women are less likely to meet treatment targets (such as lowered blood pressure) than men. 

The current review examined CVD in women.

Type 2 diabetes is a known risk factor for CVD. Women with type 2 diabetes are 3 times more at risk of dying from CVD than women without diabetes. In the Framingham Heart Study, obesity (a risk factor for type 2 diabetes) increased the risk of cardiovascular disease by 64% in women compared with 46% in men.

In a recent study of smoking, all age groups of women smokers, except those aged 30-44 years, were 25% more at risk of CVD than men. More women over 60 than men have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is also less well controlled in women than men. Women with high cholesterol (fats that build up in the blood vessels) are also undertreated.

Findings from one study showed that women can reduce their risk of heart problems (such as heart attack) by 80% through changing their lifestyle. This is done through not smoking, having a healthy weight, eating healthily, having moderate to vigorous exercise, and consuming no more than a moderate amount of alcohol.

The American Heart Association guidelines recommend that for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, aspirin can be useful in women 65 years and older if blood pressure is controlled. The benefit of preventing stroke and heart attacks is likely to outweigh risks of bleeding. In 2013, new guidelines recommended statin (drug that lowers cholesterol levels) use in adults with no symptoms aged 40 to 75 years at high risk of CVD and who have high cholesterol levels. 

Any woman who experiences a heart-related event (such as heart attack) should receive cardiac rehabilitation. This generally includes help with an exercise program as well as education on diet and ways to reduce stress and other risk factors. This type of rehabilitation has been shown to reduce CVD mortality by up to 26%.

The authors concluded that women face different risks factors than men for cardiovascular disease, and further research targeted at women is necessary.