What is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease in women?

What is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease in women?

• A. Smoking and obesity
• B. Hypertension and dyslipidemia
• C. High HDL levels
• D. Vitamin D deficiency

Answer: (B)

Hypertension and dyslipidemia stand out as major risk factors for coronary heart disease in women. High blood pressure wears on the arterial walls, causing endothelial injury and promoting the development of atherosclerosis. Dyslipidemia, especially elevated LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol, supplies the cholesterol that forms plaques in the arteries. Together, these two factors drive the most impactful and modifiable risk for CHD, and risk tends to rise after menopause when estrogen’s protective effects wane. High HDL levels are protective rather than a risk, and while vitamin D deficiency has been studied, it is not established as a major risk factor for CHD. Smoking and obesity are important risks, but the combination of hypertension with dyslipidemia reflects the strongest, well-supported modifiable risk profile for CHD in women.

Hypertension and dyslipidemia stand out as major risk factors for coronary heart disease in women. High blood pressure wears on the arterial walls, causing endothelial injury and promoting the development of atherosclerosis. Dyslipidemia, especially elevated LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol, supplies the cholesterol that forms plaques in the arteries. Together, these two factors drive the most impactful and modifiable risk for CHD, and risk tends to rise after menopause when estrogen’s protective effects wane. High HDL levels are protective rather than a risk, and while vitamin D deficiency has been studied, it is not established as a major risk factor for CHD. Smoking and obesity are important risks, but the combination of hypertension with dyslipidemia reflects the strongest, well-supported modifiable risk profile for CHD in women.