Evidence-Based Guidelines for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Women

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women in the U.S., killing more than the next 14 causes combined. ¹The state of Maine shares this burden, with roughly a third of female deaths attributed to CVD.² Needless to say, there is a need to better diagnose and treat women who may be at risk for CVD. There is much work ahead to correct this problem, and the foundational work depends on reaching the female patients themselves as well as the health care providers (HCP) who treat them.

In 2007, the American Heart Association released an update to the Evidence-Based Guidelines for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Women. This update provides the most current clinical recommendations for the prevention of CVD in women aged 20 and older.

Clinical Recommendations include:

• Lifestyle Interventions (cigarette smoking, physical activity, cardiac rehabilitation, heart-healthy diet, weight maintenance/reduction, psychosocial factors, Omega 3 fatty acids, folic acid)
• Major Risk Factor Interventions (blood pressure – lifestyle; blood pressure – drugs; lipid, lipoproteins; lipids – diet therapy; lipids – pharmacotherapy – high, intermediate and lower risk; diabetes)
• Preventive Drug Interventions (aspirin – high and intermediate risk, B-Blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs)
• Atrial Fibrillation/Stroke Prevention (Warfarin and Aspirin)
• Class III Interventions (hormone therapy, antioxidant supplements, aspirin – lower risk)

For a complete copy of the guidelines, including prevention strategies for clinical practice, go to http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/CIRCULATIONAHA.107.181546/