Cardiovascular disease remains a top cause of sickness and death in the U.S. and worldwide.
Doctors and researchers have it especially high on their radar because it's more modifiable and preventable than many other diseases and causes of death. Importantly, though, modification and prevention rely on early detection and mitigation of risk factors like hypertension and high cholesterol. Unfortunately, detection and mitigation are suboptimal throughout the U.
S. population: Experts estimate that up to 75% of young adults who have risk factors such as hypertension and high cholesterol are unaware of their conditions. A study led by researchers at the University of Chicago found that boys and men who enact behaviors more closely aligned with stereotypical gender norms in their social environment are less likely to report receiving diagnoses or treatment for cardiovascular disease risk factors.
The study is titled "Male Gender Expressivity and Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease Risks in Men." Their findings, published in JAMA Network Open , build on existing research showing that sociocultural pressures to perform male gender identity are linked to detrimental health -related behaviors, such as substance use and rejection of medical therapies and recommendations. "It's well known that male gender and male sex are associated with lower help-seeking for a range of health conditions—especially mental health and primary care.
But previous studies haven't probed furthe.
