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Results of a recent survey show that nearly half of women over age 45 who visit their Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/ GYN) as their primary care provider are not being screened for cardiovascular disease (CVD), the number one killer of women. The survey also indicates that almost half of these women are at high risk for developing CVD, yet are not receiving preventive treatment. The findings also revealed that 19% would be considered at high risk for CVD and had not had their cholesterol screened within the last five years, as recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
High cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for developing CVD, which kills over 500,000 women each year— more than all forms of cancer combined, according to the American Heart Association. Estimates show that one in two women will die of heart disease or stroke, compared with one in 27 who will die of breast cancer, which is perceived by women to be their greatest risk.
This survey is important because it alerts OB/GYN practitioners—who many women consider to be their primary care physicians—of the need to conduct a regular risk assessment with early intervention to treat the risk factors for heart disease. This underscores the importance of educating women about the major risk factors, such as high cholesterol, that can cause cardiovascular disease.
Women over the age of 20 should be screened for elevated cholesterol at least every five years. Women at high risk should be screened annually. |
