Cardiovascular Disease in Women Quick Reference Guide

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in men and women on a global basis. CVD affects men and women equally but evidence suggests that it is neither diagnosed as readily, nor treated as effectively, in women.

This paper has been commissioned by the Women's Health Council, and has been jointly funded by the Women's Health Council and the Irish College of General Practitioners. The Women's Health Council is a statutory body which was established in 1997 to advise the Minister for Health and Children on all aspects of women's health. In addition to this document there is an accompanying one-page summary sheet for use in the surgery.

This document aims to highlight the impact of CVD on women's health on an individual and societal basis, and to illustrate the differences between CVD in women and men.

After reading the document you will:

• Assess the risk factors for CVD in women.
• Accept the importance of treating women with CVD in primary care.
• Understand the gender differences in presentation, diagnosis and outcome.

The document is comprised of four main sections focussing on clinical management. The first of these focuses on risk assessment - in particular identifying risk factors and outlining how total cardiovascular risk should be established. The subsequent sections relate to presentation of CVD in women and further management options including investigations and risk modification.

Please note the qualifier on the use of the term 'CVD'; see inside cover for detail.