Cardiovascular Risk: Gender Differences in Lifestyle Behaviors and Coping Strategies

Although cardiovascular disease (CVD) does not occur until mid to late life for most adults, the presence of risk factors,
such as high blood pressure (BP) and cholesterol, has increased dramatically in young adults.

The present study examined the relationships between gender and coping strategies, lifestyle behaviors, and cardiovascular
risks.

The sample consisted of 297 (71% female) university students. Participants completed a survey to assess demographics, lifestyle
behaviors, and coping strategies, and a physiological assessment including lipid and blood pressure (BP) measurements. Data
collection occurred from January 2007 to May 2008.

Analyses revealed that age, ethnicity, greater body mass index (BMI), greater use of social support, and less frequent exercise
were associated with higher cholesterol, while gender, age, greater BMI, and less frequent exercise were associated with higher
systolic BP. There were two significant interactions: one between gender and avoidant coping and the other between gender
and exercise on systolic BP, such that for men greater use of avoidant coping or exercise was associated with lower systolic
BP.

Understanding how young adults manage their demands and cope with stress sets the stage for understanding the developmental
process of CVD. Both coping strategies and lifestyle behaviors must be considered in appraising gender-related cardiovascular
risk at an early age before the disease process has begun.