Women and Cardiovascular Disease

Overview

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), which includes diseases of the heart, brain blood supply, and vascular system, is the number one cause of death in the United States. About 2,200 American adults die of CVD every day—that’s one out of every three deaths. Almost 2 million Americans live with CVD, which can lead to myocardial infarction (MI), strokes, heart failure, renal disease, and peripheral artery disease.

Despite improvements in treatment, CVD remains the leading cause of mortality in women. Women and many healthcare providers lack knowledge about CVD risk factors and MI symptoms unique to women, which leads to late recognition and inadequate treatment. The goal of this article is to provide nurses with information so they can better help women prevent CVD and identify early signs and symptoms of MI.

Key Learning Outcomes

• State risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women.
• Compare signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction between men and women.
• Discuss strategies for preventing CVD in women.

Presented By

Melanie Kalman, PhD, RN, CNS
Dr. Kalman is a professor in the college of nursing at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York.

Margaret Wells, PhD, RN, APN-BC
Dr. Wells is a professor and nursing department chair at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York.

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