Women and Coronary Artery Disease

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Daily, low-dose aspirin is recommended for most women who are at intermediate to high risk of coronary artery disease. The routine use of low-dose aspirin in women at low risk of coronary artery disease is not recommended.

Beta-blocker medications, which slow heart rate and reduce the workload on the heart, are recommended for women who have had a heart attack or those who have chronic chest pain (angina).

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor medications, which lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart, should be used by most women at high risk for coronary artery disease.

Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) medications, which also lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart, should be used by high-risk women with heart failure who cannot take ACE inhibitors.

Hormone therapy

Combined estrogen plus progestin (HRT) or estrogen-only hormone therapy (ERT) should not be taken solely to prevent coronary artery disease in postmenopausal women. Although hormone therapy is not recommended for coronary artery disease prevention, some women may take it for relief from menopausal symptoms. Most doctors recommend that you carefully weigh the benefits against the risks of taking hormone therapy before considering it.

How will my doctor determine my risk for coronary artery disease?

Your doctor will calculate your risk for coronary artery disease by assessing the number of risk factors you have. Risk factors include: high LDL cholesterol level (greater than 130); cigarette smoking; high blood pressure (140/90 mm Hg or greater) or taking medication to treat high blood pressure; low HDL cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dL); family history of early coronary artery disease in father or brother before age 55; heart disease in mother or sister before age 65; and being older than 55 or having gone through early menopause.

To learn more, see the topics:

• Coronary Artery Disease.
• Heart Attack and Unstable Angina.
• High Cholesterol.
• High Blood Pressure.
• Stroke.