Cardiovascular disease prevention in women: the role of the nurse practitioner in primary care.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most prevalent health problem in the United States. By following the American Heart Association 2007 update guidelines, nurse practitioners in primary care settings are in a prime position to provide CVD risk assessment and prevention strategies to women across the lifespan. This article describes each recommendation in the guidelines and the role of the nurse practitioner in primary care in implementing the recommendations in clinical practice.