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Semin Reprod Med 2005; 23(2): 157-166
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-869483
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel: +1(212) 584-4662.

Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease: A Nonhormonal Approach

Vivian Lewis1 , 3 , Kathleen Hoeger2 , 3
  • 1Professor, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
  • 2Associate Professor, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
  • 3OBGYN, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
25 April 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a common and serious health problem facing women as they move beyond the reproductive years. Until recently, many postmenopausal women and their physicians relied heavily on hormone therapy to prevent cardiovascular disease, neglecting the well-recognized nonhormonal aspects of cardiovascular health. Simple lifestyle changes-exercise, diet, weight control, and avoidance of tobacco-can significantly reduce the chance of heart disease and its major risk factors, which are essentially the same for men and women. As with men, obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes are the major risk factors for heart disease in women. This review discusses the epidemiologic studies linking these risk factors to CHD in women, the guidelines for screening, and a brief overview of treatment recommendations.

KEYWORDS

Coronary heart disease risk factors - obesity - metabolic syndrome in women - lifestyle - exercise

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Vivian LewisM.D. 

OBGYN, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

601 Elmwood Avenue, BOX 668

Rochester, NY 14642

Email: vivian_lewis@urmc.rochester.edu

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