Women's Health and Lifestyle

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among both women and men in the United States, accounting for nearly half of all deaths and considerable morbidity. Type 2 diabetes is a major risk factor for CVD and one that is particularly potent in women, increasing their risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) by 3- to 7-fold as compared with a 2- to 3-fold risk increase in men. Epidemiologic data indicate that CVD and [Page 1162]type 2 diabetes share common risk factors and are largely preventable; indeed, findings from the Nurses’ Health Study suggest that 74% of total CVD cases (82% of CHD cases and 47% of stroke cases) and 91% of diabetes cases in women could be prevented by not smoking, getting regular ...