The primary prevention of coronary heart disease in women

Primary means of reducing the risk of coronary heart disease in women include not smoking, lowering total cholesterol levels, engaging in physical activity, and treating high blood pressure and obesity. Women who smoke have 2 to 4 times the risk of coronary heart disease than women who do not. Decreasing levels of low-density lipoprotein and increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein reduce the risk. Women who are physically active may have 60% to 70% lower risk than inactive women. Moderate alcohol intake, antioxidant vitamins, and aspirin may also lower the risk. The use of oral contraceptives, sudden and early menopause, and removal of the ovaries increase the risk. However, normal menopause does not suddenly increase risk. Hormone replacement following menopause may help reduce risk, but may not benefit other aspects of women's health. Studies have shown that treating serious hypertension reduces CHD risk, however treating mild hypertension may not. Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of death from coronary heart disease by 3 to 7 times in women.