Geographic location and sex were associated with significant variations in cardiovascular health across 11 townships, with industrialized areas showing elevated cardiometabolic risks.
Cross-Sectional (n=9,959)
Yes
There are significant micro-level geographical and sex-based disparities in cardiovascular health among the elderly in rural China, highlighting the need for targeted, precision public health strategies.
Background: Despite considerable evidence regarding macro region-level disparities in cardiovascular health (CVH), a critical knowledge gap regarding the finer-scale spatial heterogeneity of CVH at the township level still exists. There is a need to precisely depict micro-level geographic and sex-based CVH disparities to guide targeted health policies. Methods: In 2022, we recruited 9,959 residents aged ≥ 65 years from 143 administrative villages across 11 townships in Ruyang County, China. CVH status was assessed using life’s essential 8 (LE8) metrics—diet, physical activity, smoking, sleep quality, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, lipids, and fasting glucose—through questionnaires and physical examinations. Results: Participants had a mean (standard deviation, SD) age of 71 (7.18) years, with 5,577 (56%) being female. Among behavioral components, diet and physical activity demonstrated the lowest adherence to ideal CVH, whereas blood pressure was the least optimal biomarker metric. Significant geographic variations in CVH were observed across 11 townships in Ruyang County. Industrialized townships, especially Caidian, demonstrated elevated cardiometabolic risks. Female participants exhibited superior behavioral scores, particularly in nicotine avoidance, but inferior biomarker profiles, including higher BMI, fasting glucose, and cholesterol levels. Sex disparities in CVH status varied by township, with urbanized areas (Chengguan) exhibited less pronounced sex disparities. Conclusions: This study underscores the micro-level geographical and sex health inequities among elderly population. Addressing these disparities demands precision public health strategies that account for both geospatial heterogeneity and gender-specific risk profiles. These findings offer a framework for mitigating CVH disparities in other developing regions globally.
Li et al. (Mon,) conducted a cross-sectional in Cardiovascular health (n=9,959). Geographic location and sex was evaluated on Cardiovascular health status assessed using Life's Essential 8 metrics. Geographic location and sex were associated with significant variations in cardiovascular health across 11 townships, with industrialized areas showing elevated cardiometabolic risks.