Abstract 14226: Physicians Speak up About Heart Health Awareness and Action: A Women’s Heart Alliance Research Report

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women in the US. In November 2014, the Women’s Heart Alliance (WHA) launched a nationwide campaign to increase physician awareness and action toward women’s heart risk. Methods: Survey data collection from May 6-12, 2014 used the ERI (Research Now) Physician and Healthcare Professional Panel (HCP), an online invitation-only database based on AMA data and verified. The survey included 200 Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) and 100 cardiologists, currently in practice ≥3 yrs. Overall; ≥33% of PCPs and OB/GYN patients, and ≥21% of cardiologists’ patients were female. Results: Heart disease was a top concern for 39% PCPs. Among the AHA guideline-recommended heart risk assessment items for women, 16% of PCPs and 22% cardiologists implemented all eight. Only 22% of PCPs and 42% of cardiologists feel well prepared to assess heart disease risk in women. While a majority of cardiologists and PCPs are aware of the ASCVD Risk Assessment Calculator, current usage is below 50%s in both groups (Figure). A majority of PCPs (87%) and cardiologists (82%) were favorable towards a national campaign. Conclusions: Heart disease in women is not a top-tier concern for PCPs or cardiologists. Physician awareness and use of heart risk assessment is low, and a majority are supportive of a national campaign Strategies to improve healthcare provider awareness and action for heart risk assessment practice gaps are needed.