Approach to cardiovascular disease in women

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women is still not completely understood by either patients or physicians. It is perceived as a health problem that becomes manifest only after menopause; however, it is the most frequent cause of mortality in women and is often seen at an earlier age in the presence of risk factors. Moreover, the symptoms, course, and prognosis are quite different from those seen in men, and both physicians and patients remain inadequately aware of the character of the disease. In the approach to female patients, some risk factors inherent to women should be considered in addition to the classic factors. In this review article, aspects of CVD that are different in women, etiological factors, risk factors specific to women, and particular points to be taken into consideration in the treatment and diagnosis are illustrated in the form of questions and responses from experts.