Impact of Gender on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Post-COVID-19 University Students

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This descriptive-correlational cross-sectional study analyzed the relationship between lifestyle factors and cardiovascular parameters in 206 university students from the University of Los Lagos in the post-COVID-19 context, with a focus on gender differences. Indicators such as body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, sedentary behavior, tobacco and alcohol consumption, sleep quality, and self-reported stress were assessed. The results showed a higher prevalence of abdominal obesity and sedentary behavior in women, whereas men presented higher rates of hypertension and elevated blood glucose. While tobacco and alcohol consumption did not differ significantly between genders, both remain relevant risk factors in the university population. Sleep quality and stress were significantly correlated with various cardiovascular risk factors in both genders. These findings highlight the need for gender-specific interventions to address cardiovascular risk factors in university populations, emphasizing the promotion of physical activity among women and dietary strategies targeting sodium reduction among men. Future longitudinal research should assess whether these trends persist over time and explore effective intervention strategies.