Smoking Cessation
Women should consistently be encouraged to not smoke and to avoid secondhand smoke exposure.54
Increased Physical Activity
Women should be consistently encouraged to accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (eg, brisk walking) on most days, if not every day.54 Developing an individualized plan for physical activity can improve patient compliance.58
For sedentary, overweight, or obese patients, it is important to address potential barriers to changing activity behaviors, such as self-consciousness about exercising in public and the belief that exercise must be painful or extremely vigorous to be beneficial.58,59 Physicians should clearly discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and benefits of exercise and set realistic goals and expectations.59
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Women with a recent acute coronary syndrome or coronary intervention or angina should be engaged in a comprehensive risk-reduction regimen, such as cardiac rehabilitation or a physician-guided or community-based program.54
Heart-Healthy Diet
A heart-healthy diet should always be encouraged. Such a diet should include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Low-fat or nonfat dairy products
- Fish
- Legumes
- Protein sources low in saturated fats, such as poultry, lean meats, and vegetable protein sources
- Limited intake of saturated fats (<10% of total calories), cholesterol (<300 mg/d), trans-fatty acids, and sodium (<2400 mg/d)
Weight Maintenance or Reduction
Physicians should consistently encourage weight management through a balance of physical activity, caloric intake, and formal behavioral programs when indicated.54
Psychosocial Factors
Women with cardiovascular disease should be evaluated for depression and treated or referred when necessary.54
Additional Diet Supplementation
As an adjunct to a heart-healthy diet in high-risk women, supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and folic acid (in women with elevated homocysteine levels, except after revascularization) may be considered.54 |
Risk Factors
Office-Based Risk Assessment
Risk Reduction
|
