Psychological Health and Life’s Essential 8 Cardiovascular Health Risk among Women of Reproductive Age
Abstract Body: Introduction Few studies have explored how stress, anxiety, and depression impact cardiovascular health among women of reproductive age. This study examines the relationship between psychological health and cardiovascular risk factors among community-enrolled participants and those from the American Heart Association’s Research Goes Red (RGR) registry.
Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of participants from the RGR Registry and the SAFE HEART study who completed cardiovascular and psychological health questionnaires. Psychological health risk was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (high stress, ≥8), Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (high anxiety, ≥3), and Patient Health Questionnaire (high depression, ≥3). Dependent variables included Life’s Essential 8 cardiovascular health metrics: self-reported hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, overweight/obesity (≥25 kg/m2), poor diet (less than 5 servings of fruits/vegetables), low physical activity (<150 minutes/week, moderate), inadequate sleep (<7 or >9 hours), and smoking (current or history of 100 cigarettes). Logistic regression models were used to assess associations between psychological health and cardiovascular outcomes, adjusting for social risk covariates.
Results In this cross-sectional study of 457 women aged 18-44 the mean age was 30 years ± 5.7, with 45.51% Black adults, 87.30% had at least college education, 66.52% were married or living with a partner and 71.12% were employed. After adjusting for covariates, high stress was associated with increased odds of hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.29-3.36), hyperlipidemia (aOR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.74-4.46), smoking (aOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.40-3.60) and lower odds of poor diet (aOR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.38-0.98). High depression was similarly associated with hypertension (aOR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.20-3.25), hyperlipidemia (aOR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.52-4.06), smoking (aOR = 4.61, 95% CI: 2.75-7.74), overweight/obesity (aOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.40-4.16), low physical activity (aOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.42-4.22), and poor diet (aOR = 3.13, 95% CI: 1.75-5.61). High anxiety was also associated with hyperlipidemia (aOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.30-3.39) and smoking (aOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.08-2.96).
Conclusion We found significant associations between psychological health and cardiovascular risk factors among women of reproductive age. Interventions to improve psychological health may improve cardiovascular health and prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Metlock, Faith Elise
( Johns Hopkins University
, North Bethesda
, Maryland
, United States
)
Ateh Stanislas, Ketum
( Johns Hopkins University
, North Bethesda
, Maryland
, United States
)
Rayani, Asma
( Johns Hopkins University
, Baltimore
, Maryland
, United States
)
Vaidya, Dhananjay
( JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
, Baltimore
, Maryland
, United States
)
Kwapong, Yaa
( Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
, Baltimore
, Maryland
, United States
)
Ouyang, Pamela
( JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
, Towson
, Maryland
, United States
)
Sharma, Garima
( Inova Fairfax Medical Campus
, Falls Church
, Virginia
, United States
)
Conference, American
( Johns Hopkins University
, Baltimore
, Maryland
, United States
)
Author Disclosures:
Faith Elise Metlock:DO NOT have relevant financial relationships
| Ketum Ateh Stanislas:No Answer
| Asma Rayani:DO NOT have relevant financial relationships
| Dhananjay Vaidya:DO NOT have relevant financial relationships
| Yaa Kwapong:No Answer
| Pamela Ouyang:DO NOT have relevant financial relationships
| Garima Sharma:No Answer
| American conference:No Answer