Abstract P032: Specialized Care Is Associated With Higher Cardiovascular Disease Awareness In Young Women

Abstract

Introduction: Awareness of CVD and its risk factors is low among young women. This study compared CVD knowledge and preventive behaviors among women ages 15-24 years seen in primary care versus a preventive cardiology clinic. Hypothesis: Young women seen in a preventive cardiology clinic would demonstrate more knowledge about CVD and its causes, and be more likely to engage in preventive behaviors. Methods: We recruited 403 females ages 15-24 years from two clinics in Boston, MA: a primary care clinic (n=331) and a preventive cardiology clinic (n=72). We modified the AHA Women’s Health Survey to assess CVD knowledge and lifestyle behaviors. Using logistic regression, we examined the relationship between clinic type and 1) knowledge about CVD and 2) engagement in preventive behaviors, controlling for age group, primary caregiver education level, and race/ethnicity. Results: Young women in preventive cardiology clinic were more likely to identify CVD as the leading cause of death for women (PR: 1.65, 95% CI: 0.96-2.85) and identify major causes of CVD, such as high cholesterol and family history of CVD (Figure). Preventive cardiology patients were more likely to report maintaining a healthy cholesterol level (PR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.03-1.71) and were over twice as likely to discuss CVD risk with their provider within the past two years (PR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.84-2.97), including topics such as nutrition and exercise. Notably, 41 (70%) preventive cardiology patients did not identify CVD as the major cause of mortality in women despite being able to identify CVD risk factors. Additionally, engagement in behaviors targeted in the specialized clinic remained suboptimal (Figure). Conclusion: Young women in a preventive cardiology clinic were more aware of CVD and its risk factors than those seen in primary care. However, gaps remained in knowledge and behavior despite specialized care. Opportunities remain in primary care and preventive cardiology clinics to increase knowledge and promote healthy behavior to reduce CVD risk in women.