Coronary heart disease in women: Evolution of our knowledge

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality for women worldwide, in both industrialized countries and developing economies. Despite the dramatic decrease in coronary and cardiovascular mortality for US women each year since 2000, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the USA. Improvements in coronary outcomes for women likely will be achieved by increasing the inclusion of women in clinical research studies; delineating the biologic mechanism(s) for ischemic heart disease in women, with emphasis on microvascular disease; and increasing awareness of coronary risk by women and their healthcare providers. Requisite is the application of evidence-based data to guide prevention, recognition, and management strategies for women with CHD; as well as exploration of psychosocial/environmental/sociocultural disciplines, their relationship to coronary disease, and their differential impact by gender. Women’s cardiovascular health is not solely a medical issue, but also involves public policy; economic, business, ethical, legal, and regulatory issues; community aspects (global, regional, local); and faith-based and cultural associations and interrelationships.