[Cardiovascular risks differences in women: how can we improve the management?]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Women's Health
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, yet risk is often underestimated and undertreated.
• While estrogen offers some protection, metabolic syndrome prevalence increases CVD risk in perimenopausal women.
• Traditional CVD risk profiles focus on older men, overlooking women's specific risks and delayed diagnoses due to misleading symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the underestimation and undertreatment of cardiovascular risk in women.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing specific risk factors and promoting early screening in women.
• To advocate for targeted information and prevention campaigns for women's cardiovascular health.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing epidemiological data and clinical guidelines regarding cardiovascular risk in women.
• Analysis of factors influencing cardiovascular risk, including hormonal changes, metabolic syndrome, and lifestyle.
• Evaluation of current practices in prescribing oral contraceptives and hormone therapy in relation to cardiovascular safety.

Main Results:

• Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, particularly after menopause, surpassing breast cancer mortality.
• Lifestyle factors (smoking, lack of exercise, overweight, stress) significantly increase cardiovascular risk in women of all ages.
• Hormone therapy for menopause does not prevent CVD but may not increase risk if initiated early with close monitoring.
• Oral contraceptives should not be prescribed to smokers over 35; uncomplicated diabetes or controlled dyslipidemia are not contraindications.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need to improve awareness and knowledge of cardiovascular risk among women and healthcare providers.
• Physicians must be alerted to risk factors and initiate earlier screening for cardiovascular disease in women.
• Development of specific information and prevention campaigns tailored to women is essential to reduce cardiovascular mortality.