VA teams up with heart experts on women’s health
Published: May 18, 2012
WASHINGTON – Veterans Affairs officials this week announced a new partnership with the American Heart Association to help bring new prevention and treatment information to female veterans, who face an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.
The collaboration, which has already begun, includes providing information for patients on programs to help with host of heart-related issues, and training for physicians within the VA on new treatments and practices to reduce those health risks. In coming months, it will also include screening patients more frequently for cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure or diabetes.
About one-third of women in America have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, according to the AHA. Dr. John Rumsfeld, national director of cardiology for the Veterans Health Administration, said female veterans – in particular, those suffering from combat injuries or related mental health issues – have an even higher probability of suffering heart disease.
More information on the resources is available at the American Heart Association’s web site.
