Coronary heart disease in women. past gaps, present state and future promises
Limacher, M.C.
Journal of the Florida Medical Association 83(7): 455-458
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0015-4148 PMID: 8824085 Document Number: 465234
Women in the United States are more likely to die of coronary heart disease than any other cause. Determining risk for future disease events can be aided by a full assessment of risk factors and behaviors, but it should be noted that some factors, for example, diabetes and HDL cholesterol, impact a woman's risk differently than for a man. Studies evaluating women have shown a lower referral rate for catheterization and higher mortality rates following myocardial infarction and bypass surgery. Differentiating practitioner and patient biases from biological explanations is a challenge of future research. The possibility of hormone replacement therapy preventing coronary heart disease has given rise to the landmark NIH sponsored "Women's Health Initiative" which will provide definitive answers about the risks and benefits of long-term hormone treatment and dietary modification on coronary heart disease and cancer.