Cardiovascular disease in women--challenges deserving a comprehensive translational approach.

Heart disease in women is associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality. Although many of the underlying causes are similar for both genders, cardiovascular disease among women has some unique features, including higher coronary heart disease mortality, higher frequency of sudden cardiac death without previous symptoms, and increased mortality among older women compared to men following a myocardial infarction. During recent years, increasing efforts have been placed on identifying preventive measures, but translation of knowledge from epidemiological studies and clinical trials remain incomplete, particularly in women. The recent launch of the National Institutes of Health's Clinical and Translational Science Award program offers opportunities to address these gaps and represent a unique opportunity to foster a new generation of researchers familiar with important issues regarding women's cardiovascular health.