[WOMEN'S CARDIAC HEALTH - FROM THEORY TO ACTIVISM].

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the western world, in both genders. Although awareness of the importance of prevention, diagnosis and optimal treatment of CVD has risen in general, most women are not fully aware of their CVD risk. Moreover, women are not alert to the burden of risk in their reproductive years (e.g. complicated pregnancy and/or peri-menopausal period) and their impact on future CVD. Unique Female issues such as: fertile age, menopause, oral contraceptives, hormonal and metabolic disorders during pregnancy, labor, as well as psychological matters, and healthy life-style are major contributors to primary and secondary prevention of CVD. Moreover, aspects such as clinical course features, symptoms, main pathogenetic mechanisms and the effects of pharmaceutical substances have been proven to be gender-specific.