Cardiovascular disease prevention in women and the hormone debate

Because of reported biologic research and mass media attention, the decision to take or not to take noncontraceptive hormones to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major women's health issue. This article offers research-based knoweledge on menopause, CVD, and noncontraceptive hormones that is essential for postmenopausal clients and nurses for their thoughtful examination of this issue. By building on this knowledge base and using a client-provider interaction model, a shared decision can be sought that is comfortable and viable for the client.