A new study has revealed that lifestyle factors influencing heart health affect women more significantly than men. This research, presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session, is a first-of-its-kind study highlighting these differences.
Traditionally, we know that diet, exercise, smoking, and blood pressure impact heart disease risk. But this study shows that these factors correlate with a higher risk in women than in men. According to Dr. Maneesh Sud, the lead author of the study, "For the same level of health, the risk increase linked to each factor is higher in women." This finding emphasizes that assessing heart disease risk should consider gender-specific factors to encourage heart-healthy habits.
The study analyzed information from over 175,000 adults in Canada from 2009 to 2017. Remarkably, about 60% of the participants were women, and at the start, none had heart disease. Researchers looked at eight key factors related to heart health: diet, sleep, physical activity, smoking, body mass index, blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Participants were categorized into three health profiles: poor, intermediate, and ideal.
The results showed that women had a better overall health profile compared to men. In fact, 9.1% of women scored perfectly in health factors, while only 4.8% of men did. However, when women did have poorer health, their risk of heart issues surged. Women with poor health were nearly five times more at risk for heart disease compared to those in ideal health. For men, the risk was 2.5 times higher for those with poor health.
This indicates that the impact of negative health factors is more pronounced in women. Dr. Sud noted, "We found that women tend to have better health than men, but the results show that the consequences of that health status differ."
To enhance our understanding, further research is needed. Scientists aim to explore the variations among different racial and ethnic groups, as well as the effects of menopause on heart health in women.
Understanding these differences can lead to more tailored health advice and potentially save lives. Addressing heart health through a gender-sensitive lens is crucial for both prevention and treatment.
For more insights into heart disease statistics and trends, you can visit the American Heart Association’s website, which provides comprehensive information on heart health.
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