Introduction Description: Disease and dysfunction of the heart and vascular system, including coronary heart disease (CHD, 30%–50% of cases), atherosclerosis, heart failure, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, aneurysm, and stroke. Prevalence: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one killer of American women—annual deaths…
Introduction Description: Asthma (from the Greek for “panting”) is an intermittent or chronic obstructive tracheobronchial condition that is characterized by wheezing or cough. Adult-onset asthma is more common in women and poses potential problems during pregnancy. Prevalence: 7% of the…
Introduction Description: Anxiety is a common acute or chronic emotion that is associated with physical symptoms. It is two to three times more common in women. Subtypes of anxiety include situational anxiety, adjustment disorders, panic disorders, phobias, and post-traumatic stress…
Introduction Description: An anorectal fistula involves communication between the anal or rectal canal and the perineum. Prevalence: Common. For women, 5.6/100,000 population. The male-to-female ratio is 1.8:1. Predominant Age: Any. The average age is late 30s to early 40s. Genetics:…
Introduction Description: Anemia is the reduction (ie, below normal) in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood as reflected by the hemoglobin or hematocrit values. Women are at a higher risk because of menstrual blood loss and the iron demands of…
Introduction Description: Anal incontinence is the recurrent involuntary passage of solid or liquid fecal material or flatus. Anal incontinence may be further divided into urge incontinence (incontinence occurs despite efforts to retain stool) and passive (the lack of awareness before…
Introduction Description: Alzheimer disease is a degenerative organic mental syndrome that is characterized by progressive intellectual deterioration and dementia. It is the most common form of dementia (60%–70%). Prevalence: More than 55 million people live with dementia worldwide; roughly 47…
Introduction Description: Alcohol abuse and other substance use disorders are significant, underdiagnosed health problems for women and carry high costs for individuals and society. Compared with men, alcohol abuse by women has a disproportionate effect on their health and lives,…
Introduction Description: Acne is an inflammatory disorder of the sebaceous glands that results in comedones, papules, inflammatory pustules, and scarring. The significance of acne often exceeds that dictated by medical considerations. For a woman, it is often a reason to…
Introduction Description: Abuse is a pattern of physical or emotional trauma that occurs in a continuing relationship (see Chapter 35 , Domestic Violence [Intimate Partner Violence]). Although the definition of abuse requires only one episode of abuse, a pattern of…