One of the newly emerging themes in clinical practice is the concept of 'gender specific' medicine - the realization that the pathogenesis, etiology and progression of disease often differs between the sexes. In some instances, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are known, in others, they remain the focus of speculation. In many cases, the impact of disease and the options for management have greater importance in the female when these factors are related to reproductive health and the well-being of the women who are, or hope to be, bearing children. Cardiovascular disease is of singular importance in this context, and this authoritative new text provides a comprehensive synthesis of our current knowledge in the area. Presenting recommendations for therapeutic strategies that address the special considerations that apply in women patients, such as fertility and hormone replacement therapy, Cardiovascular Disease in Women also provides an update on research findings that will influence clinical practice.