The Cardiovascular Disease in Women Committee of the American College of Cardiology convened a working group to develop a consensus regarding the continuing rise of mortality rates in young women aged 36 to 54 years. Heart disease mortality rates in young women continue to increase. Young women have increased mortality secondary to ischemic heart disease (IHD) compared with comparably aged men and similar mortality to that observed among older women. The authors reviewed the published evidence, including observational and mechanistic/translational data, and identified knowledge gaps pertaining to young women. This paper provides clinicians with pragmatic, evidence-based management strategies for young women at risk for IHD. Next-step research opportunities are outlined. This report presents highlights of the working group review and a summary of suggested research directions to advance the IHD field in the next decade.

Editors

Editor-in-Chief
Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, MACC

CME Editor
Ragavendra R. Baliga, MD

Authors
Margo B. Minissian, PhD

C. Noel Bairey Merz, MD

Annabelle Santos Volgman, MD

Harmony R. Reynolds, MD

Malissa Wood, MD

Date of Release: August 29, 2022
Term of Approval/Date of CME/MOC/ECME Expiration: August 28, 2023