Coronary Artery Disease in Women

The Myth Still Exists

Abstract

There is a large media effort currently available to increase awareness of coronary artery disease in women. Despite this, there is still a misconception among some people, and unfortunately, some healthcare providers, that heart disease is a man's disease. This article will review some of the information about women and coronary artery disease; a short review of the literature, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment pertinent to women; and the action nurses can take to help educate the public, and other healthcare providers, about this deadly threat.

In Brief

Despite intensive efforts by health care groups and the media, many people (both lay and professional) still are unaware that heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. This article reviews pertinent research in this area as well as symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatments particular to women with coronary artery disease.