Abstract MP38: Gender Differences In Temporal Trends Of Cardiovascular Health In Young US Adults

Abstract

Introduction: Favorable cardiovascular health (CVH) in young adulthood has been associated with lower future cardiovascular risk. Characterizing the gender-stratified temporal trends of CVH among younger adults may better inform opportunities for earlier prevention. Therefore, we assessed persistence of gender differences in overall CVH and individual component in young US adults. Methods: Based on the National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey data 2007-2018, we identified 10,206 individuals aged 20 to 39 years. Gender and sociodemographic measures were self-reported. The CVH was assessed based on the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 metrics. Changes in the mean number of ideal CVH components (out of 7) and the ideal proportion of individual component were calculated using weighted linear regression analysis. Changes in gender differences were assessed with an interaction term between gender and calendar year. Results: The mean [SD] age of the study population was 29.3 [5.8] years, and 5,260 (51.5%) individuals were female. Between 2007 and 2018, the mean [95% CI] ideal CVH component remained unchanged in both females (4.40 [4.27-4.52] to 4.48 [4.34-4.61]; P value=0.94) and males (3.97 [3.86-4.08] to 3.93 [3.76-4.10]; P value=0.87) with stable gender differences ( P for interaction=0.94). Nonetheless, gender differences in blood pressure widened ( P for interaction <0.001) as ideal blood pressure decreased (54.0% to 46.9%; P value=0.03) only in males. Concurrently, the proportion of females with ideal physical activity level declined (57.3% to 49.4; P value=0.04) whereas stagnant in males ( P for interaction=0.03). Non-smoking increased in females (64.1% to 70.5%; P value=0.05), otherwise unchanged in males ( P for interaction=0.01). Conclusions: Gender disparities in CVH have persisted with exacerbated differences in blood pressure, physical activity, and smoking. These insights provide opportunities to promote equitable CVH and to address disparities.