Health Day (7/16/10 Preidt) has reported that women are three times as likely as men with severe angina to develop severe coronary artery disease (CAD).

Angina is a type of chest discomfort most frequently described as a squeezing or pressing pain in the chest. It is related to blockage of the arteries that supply the heart causing a lack of oxygen supply to the heart. Angina may also occur as other types of discomfort including chest burning, jaw pain, and back pain. Angina frequently increases with physical activity.

In the above noted study, researchers found that women with class IV angina, which is the most serious type of angina occurring at rest or with minimal exercise, are at a much greater risk of developing severe blockages then men.

Underdiagnosis and undertreatment of heart disease in women can contribute to an elevated mortality making early and accurate diagnosis of great importance. When heart disease is suspected, further evaluation, in particular, stress testing can be very useful in early detection of blockages to the heart. Dr. Steven Reisman, a Cardiologist in New York City and one of the early pioneers in the area of nuclear cardiology has stated that nuclear cardiac stress testing has been shown to be accurate in risk assessment and prognosis in women with both typical and “atypical” chest discomfort.

Healthday (7/7, Reinberg) recently reported that patients with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, may be able to have better control of their blood pressure at home than through conventional means. High blood pressure is called a “silent killer” because many people don’t realize they have it. Hypertension often has no warning signs or symptoms.

In the above noted article a study was sited that compared patients monitoring blood pressure at home along with adjusting their medications according to their blood pressure than those receiving “standard care” through health professionals. This study seems to suggest that patients may be more effective at controlling their blood pressure at home through monitoring as opposed to conventional methods such as only in a physician’s office. The group working on their blood pressure monitoring at home and adjusting their medications saw a greater reduction in blood pressure. One possibility may be that patients are more motivated in controlling their blood pressure when they have more interaction and input in the management of it.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure. The only way to detect whether or not you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked by a doctor or health professional. This is quick and painless.