Geographic variance of cardiovascular risk factors among community women: the national Sister to Sister campaign.

BACKGROUND

There are substantial variations in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and outcomes among women. We sought to determine geographic variation in risk factor prevalence in a contemporary sample of U.S. women.

METHODS

Using 2008-2009 Sister to Sister (STS) free heart screening data from 17 U.S. cities, we compared rates of obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m(2)), hypertension (HTN ≥140/90 mm Hg), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C <40 mg/dL), and hyperglycemia (≥126 mg/dL) with national rates.

RESULTS

In 18,892 women (mean age 49.8 ± 14.3 years, 37% black, 32% white, 14% Hispanic), compared to overall STS rates, significantly higher rates were observed for obesity in Baltimore (42.4%), Atlanta (40.0%), Dallas (37.9%), and Jacksonville (36.0%); for HTN in Atlanta (43.9%), Baltimore (42.5%), and New York (39.1%); for hyperglycemia in Jacksonville (20.3%), Philadelphia (18.1%), and Tampa (17.8%); and for HDL-C <40 mg/dL in Phoenix (37.4%), Dallas (26.5%), and Jacksonville (18.1%). Compared to national American Heart Association (AHA) 2010 update rates, most STS cities had higher rates of hyperglycemia and low HDL-C.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large, community-based sample of women nationwide, this comprehensive analysis shows remarkable geographic variation in risk factors, which provides opportunities to improve and reduce a woman's CVD risk. Further investigation is required to understand the reasons behind such variation, which will provide insight toward tailoring preventive interventions to narrow gaps in CVD risk reduction in women.