[Current topics (2005) in clinical cardiology: cardiovascular disease in women]

Ischemic heart disease has mistakenly been considered of little relevance to women because it occurs infrequently during the fertile years. This is despite the fact that a larger percentage of women than men die from cardiovascular disease. There are differences in cardiovascular risk factors and disease between females and males, including differences in clinical presentation, disease course, diagnostic criteria, prognosis, and treatment. There is a need for increased information and education, earlier and more aggressive control of risk factors, and a more appropriate approach to diagnosis and treatment. The American Heart Association has published guidelines on the prevention of cardiovascular disease in women and the European Society of Cardiology is planning to publish a scientific statement on the management of heart disease in women. Spanish cardiologists should also consider adopting a similar approach.