Premenopausal Black Women Are Uniquely at Risk for Coronary Heart Disease Compared to White Women

Premenopausal black women have a two to threefold greater rate of coronary heart disease than premenopausal white women. This study was designed to provide greater insight into the reasons for this difference which is currently unclear. Coronary heart disease risk factors were compared in 100 black and 100 white, healthy premenopausal women, ages 18–45 years, and of relatively advantaged socioeconomic status. Compared to white women, black women had a higher body mass index (32.0±9.2 vs. 29.0±9.4 kg/m2, p=0.021), and higher systolic (124±17 vs. 115±14 mm Hg, p