title: [Comparison of cardiovascular health status and health behaviors in Korean women based on household income].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this study cardiovascular health status and health behavior of Korean women based on their household income were explored.
  
  
  METHODS
  For this cross-sectional study, 91 women residing in the community were recruited to complete survey questionnaires and biophysical tests including blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), body fat rate, waist circumference (WC), and blood chemistry tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared to non-low income women (NLIW), low income women (LIW) were more likely to be older, less educated, and jobless, and further more LIW were postmenopause and reported having been diagnosed with hypertension or hypercholesterolemia. Significant differences were found in systolic BP, triglyceride level, BMI, body fat rate, and WC between the groups. Two fifths of the LIW had indications for metabolic syndrome. Their 10-yr risk estimate of myocardial infarction or coronary death demonstrated a higher probability than that of NLIW. Although these significant differences were due to age gap between the groups, advanced age is known to be one of the key characteristics of LIW as well as a non-modifiable risk factor.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Effective community programs for vulnerable women at risk of cardiovascular disease should be based on strategies targeting unhealthy behaviors and modifiable risk factors.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Korea University, Korea.
authors.forename: Young-Joo
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Nah-Mee
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Ji-Won
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Yoon
authors.forename: Jiwon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Sook-Ja
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D001794:Blood Pressure; D050218:Body Fat Distribution; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics; D007182:Income / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D056910:Republic of Korea; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055105:Waist Circumference