Strategies for reducing cardiovascular risk in women
Burkman, R.T.
Journal of Reproductive Medicine 36(3 Suppl): 238-246
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-7758 PMID: 2046077 Document Number: 314187
The major risk factors for coronary heart disease in women are much the same as in men. They include elevated cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, cigarette smoking, severe obesity, a history of stroke and/or thromboembolic disease, and a family history of premature coronary heart disease. Diabetes appears to confer a greater risk and hypertension to have a lesser effect in women than in men. The obstetrician-gynecologist's role as primary care physician is important in terms of risk reduction counseling in areas that are amenable to change: diet, exercise and cigarette smoking. A fourth area, prescribing hormonal therapy, including oral contraceptives and hormone replacement, is the one risk reduction modality that is within the physician's control.