Management of risks factors for older women: Osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease are common conditions in older women, with a high prevalence and associated morbidity and mortality after the menopausal transition. Osteoporosis is more common in women than in men, occurring primarily after menopause when estrogen levels drop. Fractures are the most concerning complication of osteoporosis in women, with the hip, vertebrae, and forearm as the most common sites of fracture. Risk factors and non-pharmacologic prevention, diagnosis, and pharmacologic management are reviewed in this chapter. New attitudes toward the use of hormone replacement are also addressed. Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease are discussed in this chapter, specifically those unique to women such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, menopause, and certain complications of pregnancy.