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Cardiovascular disease in older women: a challenge in diagnosis and treatment

Rekha Mankad1, Patricia J M Best

  • 1Mayo Clinic, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Gonda 5, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. mankad.rekha@mayo.edu

Women'S Health (London, England)
|December 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Cardiovascular disease is a major concern for women, particularly older women. This article reviews current guidelines for diagnosing and treating heart disease in women, emphasizing prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Women's Health
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of mortality in women.
  • Elderly women exhibit a higher prevalence of heart disease compared to men.
  • Key risk factors like diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking disproportionately affect women.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for heart disease in women.
  • To highlight the challenges in diagnosing heart disease in women, especially the elderly.
  • To discuss the role of prevention strategies in managing heart disease in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current clinical guidelines for cardiovascular disease diagnosis and therapy in women.
  • Analysis of risk factor impact and diagnostic challenges specific to women.
  • Examination of evidence-based prevention strategies.

Main Results:

  • Heart disease risk factors impact women differently than men.
  • Diagnosis can be complicated by vague symptoms in women, particularly the elderly.
  • Tailored diagnostic and treatment approaches are crucial.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of cardiovascular disease in women requires understanding sex-specific risk factors and diagnostic nuances.
  • Adherence to current guidelines for diagnosis and therapy is essential.
  • Proactive prevention strategies are vital for reducing the burden of heart disease in women.

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