For instance, the heart disease risk has been shown to be higher only in subordinate, clerical posts. Successful working women are NOT at a higher risk. Social supports and Community style Men and women have differing socialization needs and skills. Men have a lesser propensity to share feelings, and the resultant inner anger releases increased amounts of stress hormones that accelerate the development of atherosclerosis. Men also have fewer social supports, and are more likely to name their spouse as their favorite confidant.
Social supports are cardio-protective.
The prototype of a behaviour pattern that is at high risk for coronary disease is more likely seen in males. Certainly there has been a bias involved in most studies published on coronary heart disease comparisons between the sexes. For instance, exercise has been reported not to benefit women as much as men. However, these studies that are based on questionnaires focussed on sports, and ignored energy expenditure in household work. Hormones might have an effect, but it is as yet unproven.