Cardiovascular disease in women and noncontraceptive use of hormones: a feminist analysis.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women is being defined by biomedical researchers and physicians as part of the menopausal syndrome. Postmenopausal lowered levels of estrogen are presented as a prime cause of changes in cholesterol levels that are a risk factor for CVD. The biomedical model and hormone debate are described and analyzed, followed by a feminist perspective of CVD. This includes new federal policies that support CVD research. Nurses are encouraged to present a broader picture of CVD and its risks than that presented by the biomedical model and to empower women's understanding of this complex health issue through educational, clinical, and research endeavors.
MacPherson
K I
KI
School of Nursing, University of Southern Maine, Portland.
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D004967:Estrogens / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009729:Nursing; D011057:Politics; D011372:Progestins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors; D014933:Women's Rights
D004967:Estrogens; D011372:Progestins