A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association confirms that men are diagnosed with cardiovascular disease approximately seven years before women. This disparity isn’t simply a matter of chance; researchers suggest that biological and social factors play a significant role in this trend. The findings underscore the need for earlier cardiovascular screening in men and highlight the enduring threat heart disease poses to both sexes.
The Timing of Risk
The research, which tracked over 5,000 adults for three decades through the CARDIA study, revealed a clear divergence in risk around age 35. Men consistently demonstrated a higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to women throughout middle age. Even after accounting for well-known risk factors like BMI, blood pressure, diet, and smoking, the gap persisted. This suggests that underlying, unaccounted-for variables are at play.
The most pronounced difference emerged in coronary heart disease – the result of plaque buildup in arteries. Men experienced this condition roughly a decade earlier than women. However, the study found little to no difference in the age of onset for stroke or heart failure between the two groups. This specificity is important, as it narrows the focus for further investigation.
Why Does This Happen?
The reasons behind this disparity remain complex. The study’s observational design cannot prove causation, only correlation. But the findings suggest that men may be missing a critical prevention window by delaying routine heart health screenings until middle age.
Experts emphasize that this does not diminish the danger heart disease poses to women. In fact, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, and their risk accelerates sharply after menopause due to declining estrogen levels.
What Clinicians and Individuals Should Do
Cardiologists recommend that men begin routine heart health screenings in their 30s. This includes monitoring diet, exercise, and smoking habits. Simultaneously, it is crucial to avoid complacency about women’s heart disease risk. The study’s sample size, diversity, and long duration provide valuable insight into how cardiovascular health changes over time.
One potential factor is healthcare utilization: women ages 18-44 attend four times as many preventive visits as men, largely due to gynecological and obstetric care. Encouraging similar proactive care among young men could help reduce risk.
“The relationship between gender and heart disease risk is complex and changes over a lifetime,” says Dr. Brett Sealove, chair of cardiology at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “Everyone should receive regular health screenings and live a heart-healthy lifestyle.”
Ultimately, this study reinforces the urgency of cardiovascular health for all. While men may be more vulnerable to earlier heart disease, women’s risk rises dramatically with age, making prevention equally vital for both genders.
