Men Face Higher Risk of Heart Disease at Younger Age

A recent study involving over 5,000 US adults aged 18 to 30 has uncovered a concerning trend - men are prone to developing coronary heart disease (CHD) a decade earlier than women. The research, published in the Journal of American Heart Association, highlights that sex differences in cardiovascular disease risk become apparent around the age of 35 and persist into midlife. Alarmingly, these differences are not mitigated by accounting for cardiovascular health. The study emphasizes the need to initiate cardiovascular risk assessments and reduction strategies in young adulthood, as cardiovascular disease risk disparities emerge in the fourth decade of life. Dr. Harshit Gupta, a senior consultant interventional cardiologist at Regency Hospital in Lucknow, underscores the significance of early intervention, particularly for men who experience a sharp acceleration in risk around the age of 35. The study also emphasizes that while women may encounter the onset of risk at a later age due to hormonal protection, this advantage is temporary, and the risk eventually escalates for both genders. According to the World Health Organization, heart disease claims approximately 20 million lives globally each year, accounting for 32% of all deaths. The study's findings serve as a crucial reminder that cardiovascular disease is not just an affliction of later life, with men facing heightened susceptibility to heart diseases much earlier than previously thought. It's imperative for individuals to be aware of common symptoms related to heart diseases, such as chest pain, discomfort in the arms, jaw, or back, numbness, and difficulty speaking or walking, as early detection is paramount in saving lives.