This post was authored by Mary Norine Walsh, MD, FACC, and C. Noel Bairey Merz, MD, FACC, co-chairs of the ACC’s Cardiovascular Disease in Women Committee.

Cardiovascular disease is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality among women. While many of the underlying cardiovascular risk factors are similar for both women and men, coronary heart disease among women has some unique features. These factors may contribute to higher cardiovascular disease mortality in women compared to men – a fact not commonly recognized by physicians. Other cardiovascular diseases including heart failure, arrhythmias and responses to drugs and devices have been demonstrated to have sex specific differences. Dissemination of this information and sufficient translation of knowledge from epidemiological studies and clinical trials into clinical practice is lacking.

To help address these issues, the College has created a Cardiovascular Disease in Women Committee made up of members who have expertise in this area of science. The committee is dedicated to translating and disseminating scientific knowledge on cardiovascular disease in women. The mission of the committee is:

• To foster the development of scientific investigation of cardiovascular diseases wherein sex specific differences exist or are suspected
• To promote the development and publication of guidelines, scientific statements and white papers dealing with sex specific differences in cardiovascular health and disease
• Serve as a contact point and clearing house for all requests external to ACC involving endorsements or affiliations regarding cardiovascular disease in women
• Form affiliations with other professional societies and patient advocacy groups with parallel interests around women’s cardiovascular health
• With ACC Advocacy staff and committee members, advocate for legislation felt to be beneficial for women with cardiovascular disease

Those interested in following the work of the Committee should email Katherine Doermann Byrd kbyrd[at]acc.org or join the Cardiovascular Disease in Women’s LinkedIn subgroup.

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