Cardiovascular disease in women.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in American women. Atherosclerotic diseases, primarily myocardial infarction and stroke, are important causes of morbidity and mortality among women. Contrary to popular belief, the actual number of myocardial infarctions in men and women is similar, although women develop cardiovascular disease an average of 10 years later than do men. Total serum cholesterol level is a major indicator of risk of coronary heart disease; for every 1% increase in the total serum cholesterol level, a 2% increase in incidence of coronary heart disease is found. A high level of low-density lipoproteins is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease in both mean and women, but high triglyceride level is an independent risk factor only in women. Conversely, the higher the level of high-density lipoprotein, the lower the risk of coronary heart disease. To reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, target levels of total serum cholesterol must be lowered from 300 to 200 mg/dl. If the total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio is greater than or equal to 4.5 of if the low-density lipoprotein concentration is greater than 150 mg/dl, the patient is at high risk for coronary heart disease. Clinical trials that use diet or drugs to lower serum cholesterol levels have consistently shown a 2% reduction in the incidence of coronary heart disease for every 1% reduction in total serum cholesterol level.