Women's Health

"We must recognize that coronary heart disease has now become a disease of women."

Alexandra J. Lansky, MD
Director, Women's Cardiovascular Health Initiative
Cardiovascular Research Foundation

Coronary heart disease is the single leading cause of death among women in the United States today. Though the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among men has declined steadily since the late 1970s, the incidence of this condition among women has increased at an alarming rate.

However, most people, including many physicians, believe that men are at greater risk for the disease than women. Such misperceptions have led to the frequent misdiagnosis and under-treatment of women with CVD, even in cases where patients have displayed classic symptoms for the disease.

To address this crisis in health care, CRF has instituted the Women's Cardiovascular Health Initiative, drawing upon the Foundation's expertise in research and education in all types of cardiologic and vascular disorders. On the one hand, CRF is working to overcome prejudices, justifications and issues among the medical community regarding women's health: the perceived risks, for example, associated with treating patients of childbearing age, as well as the valid concern about the effects of certain medications on the fetus. At the same time, CRF is developing educational programs for the public at large, especially women, to increase awareness of the problems of CVD, offer preventative models for at-risk patients, and enlighten the public as to the effectiveness of various therapies.

For an example of our patient education efforts, please visit www.hearthealthywomen.org.

The goal of the Women's Cardiovascular Health Initiative is to improve the well-being of women today and in generations to come.