Women's health is attracting big bucks after decades of getting little or no attention, Ginger Graham said Wednesday as Speaking of Women's Health began its seventh annual national conference.

Ginger Graham, chairwoman for Guidant Corp.

        Ms. Graham, group chairwoman for Guidant Corp., an Indianapolis-based firm that manufactures cardiovascular medical devices and technology, said women add to the bottom line for health, medical and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Some statistics:

        • American women decide how $500 billion is spent annually for health and medical care.

        • Pharmaceutical firms are spending $4 billion a year researching medications for treating women with heart disease and $26.5 billion annually researching women's health issues.

        • In recent years, 373 new drugs have been introduced that treat diseases that either only affect women or affect women in greater numbers than men.

        There are several factors for the increased interest in women's health, Ms. Graham said. Economics plays a big part: Women make health care decisions in 75 percent of American households, and manufacturers want to get a share of that market.

        But there are other issues as well, Ms. Graham said. The nation's aging population means those people will be at greater risk for numerous health issues.

        And women are spurring much of the interest themselves. The Internet has played a huge role in educating women.

        Guidant Corp. and Speaking of Women's Health kicked off their national heart health initiative atthe conference at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center.

        The campaign aims to educate women on unique symptoms and complications for heart disease, said Dianne Dunkelman, founder of Speaking of Women's Health and president of its foundation.

        An estimated 4,500 women will attend the sold-out conference, which wraps up Sunday.

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