Previous studies have shown a link between poverty and low levels of education to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. But a new study by the University of Michigan finds that the association is more pronounced for middle age and older women compared to men of the same age.
Researchers analyzed data on more than 6,000 individuals over the age of 50. Kristi Rahrig Jenkins, a sociologist at the University of Michigan and co-author of the study stated, “We found that the association between most socioeconomic indicators and cardiovascular risk were stronger for women than for men. Health care professionals should consider exploring interventions aimed at reducing the risks of heart disease for this group of women.”
The article, “The Association Between Socioeconomic Status and Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Middle-Aged and Older Men and Women,” was published in the journal Women & Health. It may be accessed here.