Cardiovascular Disease in Women

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death of women in the United States, and women with cardiovascular disease have a worse prognosis than do men. The exact reasons for the worse prognosis in women are unknown but likely reflect older age at diagnosis, delayed or suboptimal evaluation, inadequate therapy, more frequent coexistent illness, and, perhaps, smaller body size. This article discusses cardiovascular disease in women, the effect of estrogen on the cardiovascular system in women, and the role of hormone therapy in cardiovascular health and disease in women. A better understanding of the importance of early recognition and treatment of cardiovascular disease in women should improve health care for women overall.