Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and
mortality for women in the United States and worldwide. There has been
no American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association
guideline update specifically for the prevention of CVD in women since
2011. Since then, the body of sex-specific data has grown, in addition
to updated hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and
primary prevention guidelines. The ACC CVD in Women Committee undertook
a review of the recent guidelines and major studies to summarize
recommendations pertinent to women. In this update, the authors address
special topics, particularly the risk factors and treatments that have
led to some controversies and confusion. Specifically, sex-related risk
factors, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, anticoagulation for
atrial fibrillation, use of aspirin, perimenopausal hormone therapy, and
psychosocial issues are highlighted.