Nutrition and diseases of women: cardiovascular disorders

Studies of prevention, diagnosis, and intervention for coronary heart disease and hypertension have either been conducted largely in men, or gender differences have not always been fully sought. This has added to a general perception that coronary artery disease is basically a male affliction despite the fact that coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death among women, especially elderly women. Many risk factors among women are similar to men, i.e., high blood pressure (BP), elevated serum cholesterol levels, and cigarette smoking; however, women compared to men have greater incidence of diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, and hypertension as they become older. The risk of cardiovascular disorders can be reduced by postmenopausal estrogen replacement, exercising sufficiently, and ceasing smoking. In addition, good nutrition, taking into consideration the proper amount and forms of calories, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and macronutrients to maintain an ideal lipid profile and BP, is helpful in preventing cardiovascular perturbations.