Heart Disease Risk Factors Appear to Disproportionately Affect Women

A recent study has shed light on how certain cardiovascular risk factors can affect women differently than men. The researchers suggest that considering biological sex during routine health screenings could provide a more accurate assessment of heart health for women.

The study, which analyzed data from over 175,000 adults, found that women tended to have more favorable overall health profiles compared to men. They were more likely to maintain ideal levels in categories such as diet, blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure. However, they were slightly less likely to reach ideal physical activity levels.

Despite having better health metrics overall, women who accumulated more negative risk factors faced a significantly higher risk of severe cardiovascular events compared to men with similar risk profiles. This highlights the importance of monitoring cardiovascular risk factors as women age.

Experts emphasize the need for further research to understand the biological and sociocultural factors that contribute to these differences in cardiovascular outcomes between men and women. They also plan to investigate whether the effects of risk factors vary across different racial and ethnic groups, as well as in women before and after menopause.

While the study couldn’t explain why sex-based differences impact cardiovascular risk, experts suggest that physiological differences between men and women, as well as outdated approaches to managing heart disease in women, may play a role. It’s important for women to be proactive in managing their lifestyle and monitoring their cardiovascular health, especially as they age.

To promote heart health, women are advised to engage in regular physical activity, follow their doctor’s advice, monitor their blood pressure regularly, and engage with their community. It’s also crucial to be aware of the increased risk of heart disease during perimenopause and discuss any additional steps with a healthcare provider to protect heart health. sentence to be more concise:

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