Cardiac Health: Primary Prevention of Heart Disease in Women

DOI

10.1016/j.cnur.2009.06.001

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

9-1-2009

Publication Title

Nursing Clinics of North America

Volume

44

Issue

3

First Page

315

Last Page

325

ISSN

296465

Keywords

Evidence-based, Heart disease, Lifestyle, Prevention, Risk factors, Women

Abstract

Heart disease is the number one cause of death among women. Although 450,000 women die annually from heart disease, this fact is unknown to many women. Because heart disease is frequently preventable, increasing awareness of personal risk and preventative measures is a key element of health care for women. Nurse clinicians can evaluate, educate, and counsel women regarding their risk for this pervasive disease and promote behavior changes that will decrease that risk. Research evidence supports that lifestyle behaviors are the cornerstone of heart disease prevention. This article presents current evidence for the prevention of heart disease related to dietary intake, physical activity, weight management, smoking cessation, blood pressure control, and lipid management. Guidelines for implementing findings in clinical practice are discussed. © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Open Access

Green Accepted

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