Sex disparities in cardiovascular health metrics among rural-dwelling older adults in China: a population-based study

BackgroundCardiovascular health (CVH) metrics among Chinese older adults are poorly understood. We investigated sex disparities in CVH metrics and their management among rural-dwelling older adults in China.MethodsThis community-based study included 5026 participants (age >= 65years; 57.2% women) in the baseline survey of a multimodal intervention study in rural China. In March-September 2018, data were collected through face-to-face interviews, clinical examinations, and laboratory tests. We defined six CVH metrics (three behavioral factors-smoking, body mass index, and physical activity; three biological factors-blood pressure, total cholesterol, and blood glucose) following the modified American Heart Association's recommendations. We performed descriptive analysis separately for men and women.ResultsOf all participants, only 0.8% achieved ideal levels in all six CVH metrics. Men were more likely than women to have ideal levels in all CVH metrics but smoking. Women had higher prevalence of ideal global (9.7% vs. 7.8%) and behavioral (18.3% vs. 9.5%) CVH metrics (p<0.001), whereas men had higher prevalence of ideal biological CVH metrics (5.4% vs. 3.5%, p<0.001). The prevalence of ideal global and behavioral CVH metrics increased with age in both women and men (p for trend<0.001). Women were more likely to be aware of their hypertension and diabetes, and to receive antihypertensive treatment, while men were more likely to achieve the goal of high cholesterol treatment (p<0.05).ConclusionsThe CVH metrics among older adults living in the rural communities in China are characterized by an extremely low proportion of optimal global CVH metrics and distinct sex differences, alongside poor management of major biological risk factors.Trial registrationChiCTR1800017758 (Aug 13, 2018).

Automated summary

The study found that only a very small proportion of older adults in rural China achieved optimal cardiovascular health metrics in all six categories, with significant gender disparities. Women had higher levels of ideal cardiovascular health metrics in global and behavioral aspects, while men had higher levels in biological aspects.