Clinicians in the cardiology, obstetrics, and gynecology specialties should collaborate and use a woman’s annual visit to her ob.gyn. to promote healthy lifestyle choices, screen for signs of cardiovascular disease and risk factors, and improve her overall cardiovascular health, according to a joint advisory released by the presidents of the American Heart Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
“Ob.gyns. are primary care providers for many women, and the annual ‘well woman’ visit provides a powerful opportunity to counsel patients about achieving and maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle, which is a cornerstone of maintaining heart health,” John Warner, MD, president of the AHA and executive vice president for Health System Affairs at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, said in a press release.
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“Traditional atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity, affect both sexes, but some may affect women differently and are considered to be more potent,” the authors wrote in their advisory.
The advisory also stated clinicians should be aware of ASCVD risk factors that are not specific to but are more prevalent in women, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis.
“These disorders are highly prevalent among women who have an increased risk of coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular disease,” the authors wrote.
Gender-specific ASCVD risk factors for women include pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes mellitus and low birth weight as estimated during gestation. Hypertension during gestation and preeclampsia carries a threefold to sixfold increased risk for subsequent hypertension while also carrying a twofold increased risk of stroke and ischemic heart disease. Non–pregnancy related risk factors included menopausal status, hormone use, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and functional hypothalamic amenorrhea.