DOT Certification Practice Exam

Which gender has the highest risk for CHD?

1. Female

2. Male

3. Pre-menopausal female

4. Postmenopausal female

The correct answer is: Male

The correct answer indicates that males have a higher risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) compared to females, particularly before menopause. This is supported by a combination of biological and lifestyle factors that contribute to this increased risk in men. Prior to menopause, women generally have some protection against cardiovascular diseases due to the effects of estrogen, which can enhance good cholesterol levels and improve blood vessel function. However, after menopause, this protective effect diminishes, and the risk for women increases significantly. It's important to note that while males have a higher baseline risk for CHD across their lifespan, women's risk can surpass men's after they reach menopause, making the context of age-specific risk critical. Hence, while men have a higher overall risk earlier in life, postmenopausal women also face substantial risk, which is a key consideration in understanding the dynamics of heart disease across genders.