[Yentl syndrome. The underestimate of cardiovascular risk in women].

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death for women in all countries of the world. Aging of the population and the high prevalence of risk factors among young and middle-aged women allow to hypothesize that this situation will continue in the future. Differences exist between women and men in the impact of risk factors, symptoms and therapeutic response. However, the main problem limiting prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases among women is gender inequality in health care. Myocardial infarction and stroke continue to be seen as "male" diseases and this view has deeply limited research and clinical management improvements. Furthermore, factors related to the socioeconomic environment strongly influence the development of cardiovascular diseases. For women, the ability to stop smoking, have a healthy eating and regular physical activity and live in a supportive psychosocial environment is strongly influenced by their level of income, education, role, control over their lives, culture, religion, access to health care. For the majority of women these factors represent the main barriers to cardiovascular disease prevention. The promotion of cardiovascular health among women could be accomplished only by removing all the obstacles to women's active participation in public and private life allowing them to share a full and equal role in economic, social, cultural and political decision-making processes. This strategy will not only improve women's health, but also that of children and men.