Identifying women at risk for coronary artery disease

Women differ from men in presentation, pathology, and prevention of CAD. After women at risk are identified, primary and secondary prevention measures should be implemented for individual workers and their families. To be effective in managing CAD, risk reduction measures should be employed. However, nurses also need to be able to identify the often atypical symptoms that women present with in CAD to provide appropriate and swift care (Anderson, 2001). The occupational health nurse is in a unique position to assist in improving the health of many within the worksite. The nurse can perform the risk assessment and plan with employees to reduce the identified risks and, thus, improve the quality of their lives. Getting employees engaged in self care by helping to set realistic goals and acting as a support in their endeavors toward this end could be the incentive needed to begin on the path to a healthier lifestyle.