AHA Medical / Scientific Statement Special Report Cardiovascular Disease in Women

A ction must be taken to prevent cardiovascular disease in women and men before signs and symptoms of the disease appear or a myocardial infarction or stroke is experienced. Prevention is critical because 40% of all coronary events in women are fatal, 67% of all sudden deaths in women occur in those without a history of coronary heart disease,1 and stroke is one of the leading causes of severe disability among women. Much is known about the risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women, but much less is known about the effect modification of these risk factors has on the reduction of risk in women. However, given the knowledge available, much can be done to prevent or control risk factors in women. Prevention of morbidity and death from cardiovascular diseases must start in the young. Although healthy living habits should begin in childhood, this report focuses on cardiovascular diseases among postmenopausal women entering the coronary heart diseaseand stroke-prone years. The discussion is extended to younger women where applicable: for example, in the sections on oral contraceptives and prevention and control of risk factors. Because of the growing number of older women in the population and those at risk for cardiovascular disease, the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease are vital.