Diseño general del proyecto de estudio sobre la situación de la enfermedad cardiovascular de la mujer en España

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women in countries like Spain. Nevertheless, the risk of cardiovascular disease in women is frequently underestimated because of the perception that women are «protected» against ischemic heart disease. Moreover, the clinical manifestations of coronary disease in women can differ from those observed in men. These two factors can lead to poorer care in women with any type of cardiovascular disease, not only coronary disease, and to a worse prognosis. This article reviews some features of the sex differences observed in cardiovascular risk factors for, and in the clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of, cardiovascular disease. In addition, the general methodological approach employed in a current study of cardiovascular disease in women in Spain is described.