Traditionally, cardiovascular disease has been thought of as a “male” disease, but cardiovascular disease is in fact the leading cause of death for women as well as for men in the United States. In 2003, all forms of cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of about 500,000 American women, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Statistically, 2 out of every 5 female deaths in the United States is caused by cardiovascular disease, especially coronary heart disease and stroke.

Alarmingly, studies continually reveal that women lack understanding of the risks they face from heart disease and stroke. While the media tends to emphasize breast cancer, cardiovascular disease claims more than 10 times as many lives as breast cancer annually and more than 8 times as many lives as lung cancer. It is responsible for more deaths annually among women than all other causes combined. Minority women face an even greater risk. Cardiovascular disease claims a significantly higher number of black and Mexican American women than white women, possibly because of higher rates of obesity and lack of exercise in these populations. While there has been positive news in recent years -- overall rates of heart disease have declined in women, possibly due to risk factor reduction -- there is still significant room for improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in women.

Studies are ongoing to understand the gap between the dangers of cardiovascular disease in women and its treatment. In recent years, researchers have begun to understand that women experience cardiovascular disease differently than men, especially coronary heart disease. It may have different symptoms, and onset tends to occur later in life. Because of these differences, women may be less likely to be referred for testing for heart disease. As a result, women have to be more assertive in seeking out appropriate care. Also, women have different target goals when it comes to controlling risk factors such as cholesterol levels and triglycerides. It is important that all women understand the dangers posed by cardiovascular disease and take appropriate steps to prevent it.