In 2008, more women in the United States died from cardiovascular disease (CVD) than from all forms of cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, and Alzheimer's disease combined. One in three deaths in women was from CVD. While many women have come to recognize CVD as the leading cause of death in women, more education is needed to convey this message to others, especially high-risk groups like black and Hispanic women. In addition, recent American Heart Association (AHA) surveys have shown that a majority of women believe they can reduce their risk of heart disease through therapies with no established benefit (such as multivitamins and antioxidants, or aspirin in young women), just over half of women said they would call 9-1-1 if experiencing symptoms of heart attack, and few respondents were aware of atypical symptoms of heart attack.Persistent misunderstandings about CVD in women; new epidemiologic data; and increased awareness of sex differences in the way CVD presents, is evaluated, and responds to treatment prompted the AHA to update its 2007 guidelines for preventing CVD in women, stressing interventions described as "effective" in women, not only "evidence based." This article explains the shift in emphasis and reports on the highlights of the updated guidelines.

This topic review employed Walker and Avant’s method of concept analysis to explore the construct of hope in elderly adults with chronic heart failure. The articles analyzed revealed that hope, as the belief of the occurrence of a positive result without any guarantee that it will be produced, is necessary for the survival and wellbeing of the elderly adults enduring this disease.

Heart failure is the only major cardiovascular disease that's increasing in incidence and prevalence in the United States. Because heart failure is a preventable disease, the 2002 heart failure guidelines devise a new staging system that expands the continuum of care to encompass prevention.

Nearly 5 million Americans have heart failure (HF). Making a correct diagnosis early is an important component in the multifaceted approach to detection and/or treatment of this disease. The US Food and Drug Administration recently approved a point-of-care B-type natriuretic peptide assay to be used in the diagnosis of HF. Nesiritide, a synthetic B-type natriuretic peptide, was also approved for use in decompensated HF. B-type natriuretic peptide is released from the cardiac ventricles in response to increased left ventricular volume and/or pressure. This article reviews the nature of this peptide and its potential as a screening tool for HF. It will also present evidence defining the role of B-type natriuretic peptide in the differential diagnosis of dyspnea, prognosis after cardiac events, and in monitoring HF drug therapy.