Abstract 12804: Knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Young Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Survey-Based Study

Abstract

Introduction: Knowledge of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as the leading cause of death (LCOD) among women in the United States is declining. Young women who experience an adverse pregnancy outcome (APO) are at increased risk for CVD, but knowledge of CVD risk has not been well characterized in this population in the perinatal period. Our objective was to examine knowledge of CVD risk in postpartum women and to determine whether risk perception differs based on experience of APO. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among postpartum individuals who had a live birth at a single high-volume quaternary care center between 1/1/20 and 7/1/20. Knowledge of CVD risk was assessed through a self-administered online survey adapted from the American Heart Association Survey of Women’s CVD Awareness. Survey data were collected between 3/1/21 and 4/18/21. We examined differences in knowledge of CVD risk factors based upon self-reported APO status. Results: Of the 5,612 eligible individuals contacted, 13% completed the survey. Among respondents, the majority identified as White (70%) with a mean age of 34 + 4.2 years, and 25% reported an APO. Similar proportions of women with (62%) and without (62%) an APO identified CVD as the LCOD in women. There was no significant difference in knowledge of traditional or pregnancy-specific CVD risk factors by APO status ( TABLE ). Women who experienced an APO were more likely to report intention to contact a healthcare professional regarding personal CVD risk compared with women who did not. Conclusions: Gaps remain in knowledge of CVD risk factors among young women, in whom primary prevention of CVD may be most beneficial over the lifespan. Heterogeneity in knowledge deficits related to APO subtypes as CVD risk factors present a unique opportunity for targeted education at a time when healthcare engagement is high. Given the modest response rate to this survey, awareness may be even lower in the general population.