Cardiovascular disease in Latin American women.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death and disability in adults in Latin America. Women are more affected by these diseases than by all forms of cancer. Latin American countries have experienced rapid and uneven socioeconomic changes with a significant effect on lifestyle, demographic and health-related indicators. Differences in methodological approaches make it difficult to compare studies and health statistics across countries in the region. According to available statistics, female population in Latin American countries have lower mortality rate from coronary heart disease and higher mortality rate from cerebrovascular disease than North America. Current rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes are alarming in female in some countries. The high prevalence of risk factors forecasts an increase in cardiovascular disease for the coming decades in this region of the world. More systematic and sustained efforts for research, education, surveillance, prevention, early detection and affordable treatment are required across all Latin American countries to improve health conditions for adult population and particularly for women, who are more affected by obesity and diabetes. This article reviews the available information on cardiovascular disease and related risk factors in Latin American countries with a focus on female and to provide a brief description of selected multinational and national efforts to study and prevent this threat. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.