Four major medical societies released a female-specific framework for cardiovascular disease prevention, detection and management.
The framework, published as three papers in the American Heart Association (AHA) journal Circulation, was developed by the AHA, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. The framework calls for identifying risk earlier and improving care coordination between specialties.
Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, remains a leading cause of death in women. These conditions kill more women annually than breast cancer, lung cancer and chronic lung disease combined, according to the AHA. It is also the leading cause of medical-related deaths during pregnancy. Yet only 41% of women recognize it as their greatest health threat.
Progress on prevention has stalled over the past two decades, while care gaps remain. For example, only about 60% of U.S. women who experience hypertensive complications during pregnancy get blood pressure follow-up care within six months of delivery, per the AHA. The association forecasts that if things continue, the portion of women aged 20 years and older living with high blood pressure will increase from 49% in 2020 to 59% in 2050.
The newly published Presidential Advisory introduces the Female Life Stage framework and the impact distinct biological transitions have on cardiovascular health in women. For example, menstrual cycle patterns, pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and menopause are identified as important markers of cardiovascular risk. The framework takes a holistic approach by considering cardiovascular, hormonal and emotional health together.
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