Women’s Heart Health: The Heart of the Matter

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death among women, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined. However, in a 2005 study, a surprisingly high number of physicians were not aware of the extent of CVD risks for women. A more recent study found that doctors who care for women may be less attentive to their CVD risk factors, as compared with male patients, and women sensed that their concerns were not taken seriously. Although clinicians play a critical role here, women clearly need to be their own health care advocates and encourage others in their lives to do the same. As American Heart Month, February is the ideal time for women to address their own heart health and for clinicians to review the latest CVD research. Investigators also should use this as an opportunity to ensure that they’re taking sex and gender into account...
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ORWH Celebrates 30^th Anniversary

This year is shaping up to be a momentous year for women’s health. For starters, ORWH celebrates its 30th anniversary—and with it NIH’s continued elevation of women’s health as “an integral part of the scientific fabric at NIH and throughout the scientific community."

Throughout the year, we are celebrating the achievements that NIH and ORWH have made in improving the health of women—advances that have saved and enhanced the lives of millions of women, as well as men. These gains are profoundly important, not only because of the health benefits to women themselves but also because of the central roles women play in society. Women also have made important progress in entering and advancing in biomedical research careers. And over half of the participants in NIH-funded clinical studies are women...
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