New Heart Association Guidelines Target Women

The American Heart Association has released new guidelines for heart health, for the first time targeting problems and issues specific to women.

The guidelines represent a different tone for the respected institution and are uncharacteristically firm and direct. For the first time, daily aspirin is recommended for all women. Additionally, the guidelines restate the importance of dietary factors like avoiding fats and clearly state that Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta carotene, and folic acid suppliments are worthless for preventing heart disease.

The general stance of the new guidelines seems to be one that emphasizes prevention and long term risk control. Issues like smoking, high blood pressure, and regular exercise are stressed.