Recent research highlights that lifestyle and health factors tied to heart disease affect women more significantly than men. This study, presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session, reveals intriguing insights into how these factors influence cardiovascular risk.
For years, we’ve known that elements like diet, exercise, smoking, and blood pressure contribute to heart disease risk. However, this study is the first to show that women face higher risks related to these factors compared to men. Maneesh Sud, MD, PhD, an interventional cardiologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, emphasizes that "it’s not one-size-fits-all." Understanding these differences could lead to better screening and more targeted advice on heart health.
The researchers analyzed data from over 175,000 adults in the Ontario Health Study, focusing on eight specific risk factors: diet, sleep, physical activity, smoking, body mass index (BMI), blood glucose, lipids, and blood pressure. Overall, they found that women tended to have healthier profiles—9.1% of women achieved perfect scores compared to just 4.8% of men. However, when women did exhibit negative risk factors, they faced a higher likelihood of severe outcomes like heart attacks or strokes than men with similar risk profiles.
During the study, which followed participants for an average of over 11 years, the differences became clear. Women with poor health had nearly five times the risk of heart disease when compared to their peers in ideal health. In contrast, men with poor health had only 2.5 times the risk. For those with intermediate health, women saw a 2.3 times risk increase, while men were at 1.6 times.
These findings underline the different experiences of heart health between genders, suggesting a need for tailored healthcare approaches. As Dr. Sud mentions, further studies will aim to identify how factors might vary across different racial and ethnic groups, as well as the hormonal effects related to menopause in women.
This research aligns with broader trends in public health. A recent survey by the American Heart Association found that 37% of women are unaware that heart disease is their leading cause of death. Raising awareness about heart health, especially in women, is crucial for prevention.
The conversation around cardiovascular health is changing. As we learn more, it’s essential to recognize that gender plays a significant role in how we approach heart disease. Tailored strategies and education can empower women to manage their heart health more effectively and reduce risks.
For more detailed insights on heart health, check out the American Heart Association’s guidelines here.
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Source linkHealth, study, lifestyle, women, cardiovascular risk
