Cardiovascular disease in older women: a challenge in diagnosis and treatment.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women and more heart disease is present in elderly women than men. Risk factors for heart disease affect men and women differently, with a greater impact of diabetes, hyperlipidemia and smoking in women. Diagnosis of heart disease can be more challenging in women, especially when elderly, as symptoms may be vague. Understanding the appropriate use of diagnostic testing and appropriate treatment is essential, given the high burden of disease in elderly women. This article will discuss the current guidelines for diagnosis and therapy of heart disease in women and will discuss the appropriate role of prevention strategies.
Mankad
Rekha
R
Mayo Clinic, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Gonda 5, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. mankad.rekha@mayo.edu
Best
Patricia J M
PJ
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015897:Comorbidity; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D008055:Lipids; D008297:Male; D008593:Menopause; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D016387:Women's Health; D014932:Women's Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration
D008055:Lipids