Cardiovascular Health Awareness and Promotion in Women: AHA ’s Life’s Simple 7™ and Go Red for Women™

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review will discuss the incidence of and trends in cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and associated risk factors among women by ethnic groups, and the recent AHA efforts to increase awareness among women.Recent FindingsCVD mortality among women in the USA accounts for approximately half (49.7%) of total CVD deaths. CHD, as the predominant form of CVD, is the leading cause of death for women in the USA. The general indicators of risk associated with CHD in women include high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, diabetes and prediabetes, excessive alcohol use, overweight and obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, and stress. The findings highlight and reconfirm that disparities in CVD risk factors and health outcomes exist among women of color and those of low educational attainment and socioeconomic status. The American Heart Association ’s Life’s Simple 7™ promotes seven recently defined cardiovascular health metrics and the Go Red for Women™ campaign has promoted improving awareness of CVD in women globally.SummaryAwareness of the significance of and preventive measures for CVD are still lacking among minority or disadvantaged women. Further efforts are needed to address disparities in risk factors and CVD in women with improved adherence to risk factor modifications and other guideline-based interventions to improve CVD outcomes in women.
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research