OBJECTIVE:We present current concepts and assess the quality of information available for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in women.
METHODS:This article reviews research bearing on the prevention of cardiovascular disease in women, with particular attention to modifiable risk factors. We describe the magnitude of the problem and assess the quality of the data with respect to the classic risk factors. The concept is emphasized that changes at menopause, states of endocrine aberration, and benefits and risks of hormone substitution and oral contraception must be understood in conjunction with all other potentially modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors.
CONCLUSIONS: Primary care physicians, especially obstetrician/gynecologists, have a pivotal role to play in the reduction of this disease. Behavior modification is the key to integrating prevention into the regular annual visit. (J Soc Gynecol Invest 1994;1:107-17)
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