Sex Differences in Cardiac Risk Factors, Perceived Risk, and Health Care Provider Discussion of Risk and Risk...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Sex differences in cardiac risk factors, risk perception, and healthcare provider discussions among young acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients are understudied.
• Young AMI patients often present with multiple cardiac risk factors, necessitating a deeper understanding of their awareness and communication with healthcare providers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the prevalence of cardiac risk factors, self-perceived risk, and healthcare provider discussions about heart disease and risk modification between young women and men hospitalized with AMI.
• To identify potential sex-based disparities in risk communication and awareness following an AMI event in young adults.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 3,501 AMI patients aged 18-55 from the VIRGO study (US and Spanish hospitals, 2008-2012).
• Comparison of the prevalence of five cardiac risk factors by sex.
• Modified Poisson regression used to assess sex differences in self-perceived risk and reported provider discussions on risk and modification.

Main Results:

• Nearly all young AMI patients (98%) had at least one cardiac risk factor, with 64% having three or more.
• Only 53% perceived themselves at risk, and fewer reported provider discussions (46% told they were at risk, 49% discussed risk modification).
• Women were significantly less likely than men to be informed about their cardiac risk (RR: 0.89) or discuss risk modification (RR: 0.84).

Conclusions:

• A significant gap exists in risk awareness among young AMI patients, with only half perceiving themselves at risk before the event.
• Communication regarding cardiac risk and modification strategies with healthcare providers is infrequent and more limited for women.
• These findings highlight the need for improved risk communication and targeted interventions for young women post-AMI.