Evaluating and Managing Cardiovascular Disease in Women

Despite the efforts of investigators, public health andprivate caregivers, voluntary health organizations,and policymakers, heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in women, both in the United States and throughout most of the world.1,2 A number of issues contribute to these disappointing statistics. Many women lack the basic awareness that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women. The American Heart Association’s (AHA) 2004 survey of women’s attitudes and knowledge showed that, when asked what they thought was the leading cause of death among women, 50 % of women answered this question incorrect-ly.3 Even more important, only 13 % of women personalized this information and answered that their own personal great-est health threat was heart disease. Although this level has increased from 7 % since the initial survey 6 years ago, it is still far too low. Furthermore, because coronary disease