Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in older women

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women older than 50 years. Risk factors for CVD differ in some aspects from those in men. The prevention of CVD in women has undergone a reappraisal with the publication of studies looking at the use of menopausal hormone therapy for both primary and secondary prevention. Although these studies concluded that there was no place for the use of hormone therapy for prevention of CVD, recent data suggests that the issue is still not resolved as regards the younger woman in early menopause. Until more data is available in this regard, the main focus of prevention should be on interventions to decrease risk factors for cardiovascular disease.