The Association Between Increasing Age Among Males/Females & The Causes of Coronary Heart Disease: Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, & BMI

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading global cause of mortality, with coronary heart disease (CHD) being a major contributor. CHD results from atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty plaques in blood vessels. Modifiable risk factors include hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, and inactivity, while non-modifiable factors like age, sex, and ethnicity also influence CHD risk. Method: This prospective cohort study, utilizing data from the Framingham Heart Study, investigates the impact of age, gender, BMI, and cholesterol levels on CHD risk. It also explores disparities by gender and race. The dataset includes 699 participants without prior CVD symptoms. Statistical methods such as linear regression, t-tests, and survival analysis were used. Results: Men showed a higher risk of developing CHD than women. Women generally had higher body fat percentages and were more consistent with medical follow-ups. Rising cholesterol levels increased CHD risk and correlated with higher BMI categories. Discussion: The findings emphasize the importance of early detection and prevention, particularly in older males. While women have a lower overall CHD risk, increasing cholesterol and pulse pressure with age pose significant risks. Managing cholesterol is critical to reducing CHD risk, particularly in women with higher mean cholesterol levels linked to body fat. Strengths of the study include its comprehensive variable assessment and longitudinal design, though its generalizability is limited due to the single-city setting.