Reducing cardiovascular disease risk in sedentary, overweight women: strategies for the cardiovascular specialist.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the issue of cardiovascular disease in women, and to discuss evidence-based strategies for promoting lifestyle changes to reduce risk in sedentary, overweight women.


RESULTS
Given a recent focus on long-term risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly for women, lifestyle change is especially important. Within practices, motivational interviewing holds promise as an effective counseling approach. Cardiologists may also refer women to evidence-based community programs designed to change diet and physical activity behaviors.


CONCLUSIONS
Increasing fitness, improving food intake, and weight control are key elements in prevention. Ideally, motivational interviewing and community-based programs will work synergistically, with health messages and change efforts mutually supported in both settings.
Folta
Sara C
SC
John Hancock Research Center on Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Prevention, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. sara.folta@tufts.edu
Nelson
Miriam E
ME
D002309:Cardiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D050177:Overweight / Q000150:complications*