Men in Yazd Province, Islamic Republic of Iran had substantially higher estimated 10-year cardiovascular disease mortality risk than women, with high risk observed in 11.8% of men versus 0.8% of women, indicating the need for preventive measures tailored to each sex.
Men had higher systolic blood pressure and smoking prevalence than women in the study population.
Women had higher total cholesterol levels than men in the study population.
Men had a substantially higher estimated 10-year cardiovascular disease mortality risk than women.
The majority of women in the study were classified as low cardiovascular disease mortality risk over 10 years.
The observed sex differences in cardiovascular disease mortality risk indicate the need for sex-tailored preventive measures focusing on smoking, blood pressure control, and cholesterol management.
This research estimated the likelihood of dying from cardiovascular disease over a 10-year period among nearly 2,100 adults aged 30 to 70 years living in Yazd Province, Iran. Using a well-established tool called the Framingham risk model, researchers calculated each person's risk level based on factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and smoking status. The study found dramatic differences between men and women: while more than 95% of women were classified as low risk, nearly 42% of men fell into the moderate or high risk categories, with about 12% of men considered high risk compared to less than 1% of women. The study also found that men were more likely to smoke and had higher blood pressure, while women had higher total cholesterol levels. These differences in risk factors help explain why men faced a much greater overall risk of cardiovascular death over the next decade. The Framingham model used these specific measurements to calculate individualized risk estimates for each participant. This research suggests that heart disease prevention efforts in Iran — and potentially in similar populations — should be designed differently for men and women. For men, reducing smoking and controlling blood pressure appear to be especially important priorities, while cholesterol management may deserve more attention in women. Identifying which groups are at highest risk allows public health programs to direct resources more effectively toward those most likely to benefit.
Akhondi H, Sakhvidi M, Khayatian M, Soodejani M. (2026). Ten-year estimates of cardiovascular disease mortality risk in Islamic Republic of Iran.. Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit. https://doi.org/10.26719/2026.32.7.454