Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol 12, Issue 4 417-425, Copyright © 1993 by American College of Nutrition
Nutrition and diseases of women: cardiovascular disorders
H. G. Preuss
Department of Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007.
Studies of prevention, diagnosis, and intervention for coronary heart
disease and hypertension have either been conducted largely in men, or
gender differences have not always been fully sought. This has added to a
general perception that coronary artery disease is basically a male
affliction despite the fact that coronary artery disease is the leading
cause of death among women, especially elderly women. Many risk factors
among women are similar to men, i.e., high blood pressure (BP), elevated
serum cholesterol levels, and cigarette smoking; however, women compared to
men have greater incidence of diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure,
and hypertension as they become older. The risk of cardiovascular disorders
can be reduced by postmenopausal estrogen replacement, exercising
sufficiently, and ceasing smoking. In addition, good nutrition, taking into
consideration the proper amount and forms of calories, sodium, potassium,
calcium, magnesium, and macronutrients to maintain an ideal lipid profile
and BP, is helpful in preventing cardiovascular perturbations.
