Cardiovascular disease in women: reducing cardiovascular comorbidity.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading etiology of mortality in women. The American Heart Association recommends classifying a woman's risk as 1 of 3 categories: ideal cardiovascular health, at risk, and high risk. Risk levels are based on traditional risk factors, such as lipid levels, blood pressure, body mass index, and smoking status. Risk can be assessed using the Framingham risk score, which estimates an individual's 10-year risk of myocardial infarction or stroke. Other risk factors for cardiovascular disease that should be considered include psychosocial disadvantage, marital status, depression, and anxiety. A multidisciplinary approach to managing these stressors may decrease cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.