[Coronary disease in women]

Abstract

Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, with a high prevalence in the older women. Women have a less favorable outcome after myocardial infarction and after myocardial revascularization procedures. We have revised the most up to date published information about risk factors for coronary heart disease in women. The most salient features concerning lipids, hypertension, diabetes, cigarette smoking, physical activity and obesity are summarized. The differences on clinical manifestations of coronary heart disease among men and women are also presented. The salient data about estrogen replacement therapy effect on coronary heart disease on postmenopausal women is also summarized.