People with a lower level of education are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, an Italian study has found. Significantly higher major cardiovascular risk factors were also detected in married or cohabitating women, with the exception of smoking. On the other hand, married men were less likely to be at risk for heart disease. Prevention interventions on cardiovascular risk should address these social factors, the study suggested.

Source:
1. Fornari C, Donfrancesco C, Riva MA, et al. Social status and cardiovascular disease: a Mediterranean case. Results from the Italian Progetto CUORE cohort study. BMC Public Health 2010; 10: 574. (open access)