Men have a greater risk of heart attack and stroke than women do because
A) women have larger coronary arteries than men do.
B) fewer women than men have hypertension.
C) men have more severe heart attacks than women do.
D) premenopausal women seem to be protected from heart disease by estrogen.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pre-menopausal women have higher levels of estrogen which reduces the risk of heart disease. After menopause, when estrogen levels decline, women's risk for heart attack and stroke increases and becomes similar to men. Men have a greater risk of heart attack and stroke than women as they do not have the protective effect of estrogen. Options A and B are incorrect as women having larger coronary arteries or fewer cases of hypertension do not explain their lower risk of heart attacks compared to men. Option C is incorrect as severity of heart attacks is not a factor in the difference in risk between men and women.

Men Have a Greater Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke