Comparative Analysis of Gender-Specific Patterns of Traditional Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors and QRISK3 Scores in First-Degree Relatives of Coronary Artery Disease Patients

Abstract

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death globally, with genetic and lifestyle factors contributing to its development. The first-degree relatives of CAD patients are at increased risk due to shared genetics and environments. This study aimed to perform a comparative analysis of gender-specific patterns of traditional CAD risk factors and QRISK3 scores in the first-degree relatives of CAD patients. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: This study enrolled 4,485 participants of first-degree relatives of patients who had been admitted to the hospital for CAD. Gender-specific comparisons were conducted in the first-degree relatives of CAD to assess traditional risk factors and QRISK3 scores. Results: The mean age of patients was 41.8 years, with males comprising 66% of participants in our study. Males exhibited more traditional risk factors, including higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, smoking, alcohol, junk food consumption, and oral tobacco use. Females had a higher prevalence of obesity, inadequate sleep, depression, and migraines. Males had a significantly higher 10-year CAD risk according to QRISK3 scores, reflecting an increased healthy heart age of 4.20 ± 1.32 years compared to their chronological age (P = 0.0004). Conclusion: The prevalence of coronary risk factors was twice as high in the first-degree male relatives of individuals with known CAD compared to females. Distinct gender-based differences were found in risk factors and QRISK3 scores, highlighting the significance of specific approaches in evaluating and managing the risk of CAD within this high-risk group.