Cardiovascular risk screening for women

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Women's Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of mortality for both men and women in Canada and the US.
• Historically, CVD in women has been underemphasized compared to men, leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment.
• This disparity necessitates a focused approach to understanding and addressing CVD risk in the female population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide clinical nurse specialists with a comprehensive review of cardiovascular risk factors specific to women.
• To enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of cardiovascular risk-screening in female patients.
• To bridge the knowledge gap regarding CVD presentation and management in women.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current knowledge on cardiovascular risk factors in women.
• Discussion of specific risk factors including lipids, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, menopause, obesity, and lifestyle.
• Analysis of clinical presentation and implications for healthcare providers.

Main Results:

• Identified key cardiovascular risk factors unique to or more prevalent in women.
• Detailed the clinical presentation of CVD in women, which may differ from men.
• Highlighted the importance of considering factors like menopause and multiple roles in risk assessment.

Conclusions:

• Emphasizes the need for specialized cardiovascular risk-screening protocols for women.
• Underscores the importance of addressing underdiagnosis and undertreatment of CVD in women.
• Calls for further research to improve understanding and management of cardiovascular disease in women.