Differences in primary and secondary stroke prevention strategies for Chinese men and women

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally, with prevention strategies playing a crucial role.
• Existing stroke prevention guidelines may not adequately address potential sex-specific differences in risk and treatment efficacy.
• Understanding these differences is vital for developing equitable and effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sex-specific differences in the utilization of stroke prevention strategies in China.
• To assess disparities in primary and secondary stroke prevention practices between men and women.
• To evaluate the impact of risk factor control and medication use on stroke prevention across sexes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the China Kadoorie Biobank, including over 500,000 participants.
• Defined high stroke risk using the China-PAR Project model (≥7% predicted 10-year risk).
• Employed logistic regression models to analyze sex-specific differences in prevention strategies and medication use (antiplatelets, antihypertensives, antidiabetics).

Main Results:

• Women were less likely than men to receive antiplatelets, antihypertensives, and antidiabetics among high-risk individuals.
• Stroke-affected women received antiplatelets less frequently but antidiabetics more frequently than men.
• Significant sex-based disparities were also observed in risk factor control measures.

Conclusions:

• Prevalent sex-specific differences exist in stroke prevention strategies within China.
• Women face significant underutilization of key preventive medications and interventions.
• Effective stroke prevention necessitates improved nationwide strategies with a specific focus on addressing women's needs.