Sex Related Assessment and Differentiation of Atherogenic Risk Factors

Aims: Atherosclerosis is latent precursor of clinical cardiovascular disease. The present study aimed to assess modifiable and non-modifiable atherogenic risk factors in both sexes.

Study Design: Cross sectional design.

Place and Duration of Study: It was conducted at Exservicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) Polyclinic, Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala, Punjab, India from June, 2013 to Oct, 2013.

Methodology: This study was undertaken to assess age, education, employment, socioeconomic status, physical activity, body mass index, dietary habits, family history, sleep, stress, dysglycaemia, hypertension and dyslipidemia as determinants of atherogenic risk factors. The level of significance was defined by P<.05 with Chi Square test.

Results: All patients (N=351) were divided into male (49.58%) and female (50.42%) cohorts. A statistically significant males (45.41%; P<.001) were found >65 years old and females (43.51%; P<.001) in 51-65 years. Males had significant higher literacy (55.19%; P<.001) and employment status (55.75%; P<.001). Females were reported with significant positive family history (40.12%; P<.01), stress (25.99%), sleep inadequacy (28.82%; P<.001), sedentary lifestyle (83.62%; P<.001), and vegetarianism (74.02%; P<.01). Metabolic syndrome was more prevalent in females (19.78%) than males (14.95%). The higher prevalence of hypertension (females: 49.16%; males: 48.28%), obesity (females: 23.72%; males: 17.24%), dysglycaemia (females: 25.99%; males: 22.42%) was recorded in females; and dyslipidemia (males: 29.32%, females: 23.17%) in males.

Conclusion: Females were reported with significantly higher frequencies of atherogenic risk factors which make them highly susceptible to cardiovascular events than males. Hence, sex should be considered to assess and differentiate atherogenic risk factors, and when health professionals recommend lifestyle modifications.