The recent findings presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session shed light on the evolving landscape of cardiovascular disease, particularly in relation to gender. The prevention research hub studied data from more than 175,000 Canadians from the Ontario Health Study who enrolled between 2009 and 2017. It lays bare the stark, sometimes deadly differences in heart disease risk factors between men and women. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for both genders in the United States, necessitating a closer examination of these emerging insights.
Dr. Maneesh Sud, MD, PhD, is an assistant professor of medicine and interventional cardiologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto. In particular, he has led research that highlights the urgent need for more personalized and culturally relevant guidelines on heart disease risk. What these implications reveal is that women are generally healthier across the board. They face distinct challenges that put them at greater risk for cardiovascular complications.
Key Findings of the Study
The study’s deep investigation into the lifestyle and health markers of participants uncovered the most dramatic differences. Most interestingly, women were almost twice as successful as men at living healthier lives across the board. Among the study participants, only 54% of women were considered to be following an ideal diet. This equates to them eating a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Only slightly more than 43% of men reached this meal guideline, by comparison.
Furthermore, the data showed that 73% of women had normal blood pressure readings. But only 70% of women were moderately or highly active through work-related activities compared to 73% of men. These figures tell us a sobering fact—that women may appear healthy on the outside. Despite that, they are still met with significant barriers to maintaining their cardiovascular health.
The study went on to find even more troubling trends related to diet and cardiovascular risk factors. Compared to men, women showed less healthy overall dietary patterns. Consequently, they had the highest rates of elevated cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose levels. These elements are key and fundamental. Women are at a potentially greater risk of cardiovascular disease than men if they are poorly nourished, have high lipids, or hypertension.
Insights from Researchers
“We know there is not a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to improving cardiovascular health,” said Dr. Sud.
“It’s not one size fits all,” – Maneesh Sud, MD, PhD
This remarkable statement highlights the need for healthcare providers to take gender-specific elements into account when evaluating risks for heart disease. The research found that women consistently valued family and career above self. Despite this dedication, inequities in their health still exist.
These societal pressures can result in an erosion of personal health needs taking precedence and may unknowingly heighten vulnerability to CVD.
“A big theory in the realm of cardiovascular health [is] that oftentimes women do place themselves below their families, their friends, their profession, and it oftentimes does affect their health.”
The research additionally looked at age as an important factor associated with heart health. Women enrolled in the study were on average 47 years old and men approximately 50 years old. This age difference is an important factor in understanding the inverse hormonal influence on cardiovascular health.
Age and Hormonal Factors
Even more so when you think about complexity of heart disease risk factors and how they relate to gender and age.
“One of the factors linked to menopause is age, so it’s hard to untangle that from hormones.”
Interestingly, cultural differences play a major role in stress factors and health-specific priorities. It creates an even more complex cardiovascular health landscape among different populations.
Annapoorna Kini, MD, provided a broader context by contrasting American lifestyle with other cultures:
“In America, being an overachiever is common. In other countries, parts of Europe and South America, life is slower paced.”
Such cultural differences could influence stress levels and health priorities, further complicating the landscape of cardiovascular health among different populations.
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