Awareness Of Cardiovascular Disease Research Articles

Vivir Con Un Corazón Saludable: a Community-Based Educational Program Aimed at Increasing Cardiovascular Health Knowledge in High-Risk Hispanic Women.

Hispanic women suffer from high rates of cardiometabolic risk factors and an increasingly disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Particularly, Hispanic women with limited English proficiency suffer from low levels of CVD knowledge associated with adverse CVD health outcomes. Thirty-two predominantly Spanish-speaking Hispanic women completed, Vivir Con un Corazón Saludable (VCUCS), a culturally tailored Spanish language-based 6-week intensive community program targeting CVD health knowledge through weekly interactive health sessions. A 30-question CVD knowledge questionnaire was used to assess mean changes in CVD knowledge at baseline and postintervention across five major knowledge domains including CVD epidemiology, dietary knowledge, medical information, risk factors, and heart attack symptoms. Completion of the program was associated with a statistically significant (p < 0.001) increase in total mean CVD knowledge scores from 39 % (mean 11.7/30.0) to 66 % (mean 19.8/30.0) postintervention consistent with a 68 % increase in overall mean CVD scores. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.001) increase in mean knowledge scores across all five CVD domains. A culturally tailored Spanish language-based health program is effective in increasing CVD awareness among high CVD risk Hispanic women with low English proficiency and low baseline CVD knowledge.

Experiences and perceptions about cause and prevention of cardiovascular disease among people with cardiometabolic conditions: findings of in-depth interviews from a peri-urban Nepalese community

BackgroundNepal currently faces an increasing burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Earlier studies on health literacy and the behavior dimension of cardiovascular health reported a substantial gap between knowledge and practice.ObjectiveThis qualitative study aimed to deepen understanding of the community perspective on cardiovascular health from the patients’ viewpoint.DesignWe conducted in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 13 individuals with confirmed heart disease, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus. All participants provided verbal consent. We used an IDI guide to ask respondents about their perception and experiences with CVD, particularly regarding causation and preventability. We manually applied qualitative content analysis to evaluate the data and grouped similar content into categories and subcategories.ResultsRespondents perceived dietary factors, particularly consumption of salty, fatty, and oily food, as the main determinants of CVD. Similarly, our respondents unanimously linked smoking, alcohol intake, and high blood pressure with cardiac ailments but reported mixed opinion regarding the causal role of body weight and physical inactivity. Although depressed and stressed at the time of diagnosis, respondents learned to handle their situation better over time. Despite good family support for health care, the financial burden of disease was a major issue. All respondents understood the importance of lifestyle modification and relied upon health professionals for information and motivation. Respondents remarked that community awareness of CVD was inadequate and that medical doctors or trained local people should help increase awareness.ConclusionsThis study provided insight into the perceptions of patients regarding CVD. Respondents embraced the importance of lifestyle modification only after receiving their diagnosis. Although better health care is important in terms of aiding patients to better understand and cope with their disease, interventions should be tailored to improve the community's cardiovascular health literacy and preventive practices.

Factors Associated With the General Public Knowledge and Awareness of Cardiovascular Diseases and its Risk Factors in Penang – Malaysia

Background: Cardiovascular diseases(CVDs) are the top of the ten causes of hospital deaths in Malaysia. Increasing knowledge and awareness on CVDs and its risk factors is crucial for the prevention of CVDs. Identification of factors which are associated with the knowledge and awareness is important for the proper design of future awareness programs. Objectives: This study was carried out to find out factors which are associated with the current knowledge and awareness of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and its risk factors among the general public in PenangMalaysia. Method: Four hundred and fifty-six (456) from the general public participated in the study by filling a structured questionnaire offered in three languages, English, Malay and Chinese. The knowledge and the awareness scores were computed as continuous variables then simple liner regression (SLR) followed by general linear regression (GLR) were used to find factors associated with the levels of knowledge and awareness. Findings: The GLR final model revealed that the knowledge and awareness of CVDs and its risk factors was associated with the level of education, the previous attendance of health campaign on CVDs and having any CVDs or family history of CVDs. Conclusion: The study provides insights into factors associated with the knowledge and awareness of CVDs and its risk factors among the general public. Tailored awareness programs are required to address specific demographic groups of the general public.

Public Knowledge and Awareness of Cardiovascular Diseases and the Expected Role of Community Pharmacists in the Prevention and Management of Cardiovascular Diseases in Penang, Malaysia

This study was carried out to estimate the current knowledge and awareness of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and its risk factors among the general public in Penang, Malaysia and to explore public perception of the role of commu- nity pharmacists in the prevention and management of CVDs. Four hundred and fifty-six members of the public were given a self-administered, structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was in three languages (English, Malay and Chinese). Those who were illiterate or with prior experience/knowledge in the medical field were excluded from the study. The knowledge and the awareness scores were computed as continuous variables, and then categorized into three levels (poor, moderate and high). The analysis of the results revealed that 46%, 43% and 9% of the respondents had poor, moderate and good knowledge of CVDs and its warning symptoms, respectively. Public awareness of CVD risk factors was better than their knowledge of CVDs and its warning symptoms; in which 37%, 35% and 28% had poor, moderate and good awareness, respectively. Males were more knowledgeable than females. Education level also associated, positively, with knowledge. The majority of respondents gave favorable responses on the role of community pharmacists in identifying and preventing CVD risk factors in the community. This study provides insights into the limited knowl- edge and awareness of CVDs and its risk factors among the public in Penang, Malaysia and it shows the extended clinical role of community pharmacists in public health and preventing non-communicable diseases. Extensive awareness programs targeting those with limited knowledge are required.

A community intervention for behaviour modification: an experience to control cardiovascular diseases in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

BackgroundNon-communicable Disease (NCD) is increasingly burdening developing countries including Indonesia. However only a few intervention studies on NCD control in developing countries are reported. This study aims to report experiences from the development of a community-based pilot intervention to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD), as initial part of a future extended PRORIVA program (Program to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Yogyakarta, Indonesia) in an urban area within Jogjakarta, Indonesia.MethodsThe study is quasi-experimental and based on a mixed design involving both quantitative and qualitative methods. Four communities were selected as intervention areas and one community was selected as a referent area. A community-empowerment approach was utilized to motivate community to develop health promotion activities. Data on knowledge and attitudes with regard to CVD risk factors, smoking, physical inactivity, and fruit and vegetable were collected using the WHO STEPwise questionnaire. 980 people in the intervention areas and 151 people in the referent area participated in the pre-test. In the post-test 883 respondents were re-measured from the intervention areas and 144 respondents from the referent area. The qualitative data were collected using written meeting records (80), facilitator reports (5), free-listing (112) and in-depth interviews (4). Those data were analysed to contribute a deeper understanding of how the population perceived the intervention.ResultsFrequency and participation rates of activities were higher in the low socioeconomic status (SES) communities than in the high SES communities (40 and 13 activities respectively). The proportion of having high knowledge increased significantly from 56% to 70% among men in the intervention communities. The qualitative study shows that respondents thought PRORIVA improved their awareness of CVD and encouraged them to experiment healthier behaviours. PRORIVA was perceived as a useful program and was expected for the continuation. Citizens of low SES communities thought PRORIVA was a “cheerful” program.ConclusionA community-empowerment approach can encourage community participation which in turn may improve the citizen’s knowledge of the danger impact of CVD. Thus, a bottom-up approach may improve citizens’ acceptance of a program, and be a feasible way to prevent and control CVD in urban communities within a low income country.

DYNAMICS OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTOR PREVALENCE IN RYAZAN REGION

Aim. To investigate the dynamics of the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors (RFs) in men and women from a representative sample of the Ryazan Region general population.Material and methods. As a part of the epidemiological study EPOCH, a cross-sectional standardised screening of a representative sample of the Ryazan Region general population (n=2098) was performed. All respondents underwent a standardised questionnaire survey, anthropometry, and blood pressure (BP) measurement. The examination was repeated 5 years later, in 1760 participants (response rate 83,8%).Results. Over 5 years, the prevalence of arterial hypertension (AH) in the urban population increased from 34,8% to 39,1% (p&lt;0,05). In the whole sample, AH prevalence remained stable (39,3% and 36,6% at the second and first screening, respectively), similar to the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) (4,5% and 3,4%, respectively). Smoking prevalence in urban women increased from 6,0% to 9,2% (p&lt;0,05) and did not change in men (51,8% in 2002 and 49,6% 5 years later). The prevalence of excessive alcohol consumption decreased from 7,7% to 5,6% (p&lt;0,01), while the prevalence of excessive salt consumption remained the same. Obesity prevalence increased in women (from 23,6% to 28,3%; p&lt;0,001) and only slightly changed in men (11,7% in 2002 and 14,0% 5 years later; p=0,68). Awareness of CVD in family history increased from 46,7% to 59,8% (p&lt;0,001).Conclusion. In a representative sample of the Ryazan Region general population, the prevalence of CVD RFs remained high over 5 years of the follow-up.

Prevalence of Self-reported Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Saudi Physicians: A Comparative Study.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. CVD-related mortality can be substantially reduced by modifying risk factors. In this cross-sectional study conducted in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, we estimated and compared prevalence of self-reported risk factors for CVD among physicians and a comparative group of non-physician health workers. We postulated that prevalence of CVD risk factors would be significantly lower in physicians. Participants filled in a structured self-administered questionnaire on CVD risk factors. The study included 200 participants (100 respondents each group). Participants in the two groups were of similar age (P = 0.46) and Body Mass Index (BMI) P = 0.11. There was no statistical difference in smoking, frequency and length of physical exercise per week (P = 0.53, 0.57, 0.47 respectively). Diet habits showed daily intake of more protein, less fat and highly processed food, and similar vegetables, fruit and carbohydrate among physicians. Health status (presence of hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia, or other diseases) didn't differ between the two groups. Physicians showed a significantly higher familial cardiovascular risk, with mothers and siblings having more dyslipidemia, but there was no significant difference in parental dyslipidemia, diabetes or hypertension. These findings indicate that high awareness of CVD and associated risk factors alone is not enough to prevent their occurrence. Programs to routinely screen these risk factors and improve the lifestyle of physicians are needed.

Preventing cardiovascular disease in women

This review highlights advances in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women in the preceding 12 months. The American Heart Association (AHA) has recently published guidelines on the prevention of CVD in women, which brought new attention to this important topic. Limited progress has been made regarding an awareness of CVD among women, and modest progress has been made on the creation of health behavior change programs that effectively reduce smoking, increase physical activity and improve nutrition. Preventive therapies have been demonstrated to improve outcomes in women with diagnosed disease, but more research that includes women is required to further assess the benefits of primary preventive strategies and therapies. A review of the literature from the past year confirms the recommendations and direction set in the AHA's updated prevention guidelines. This review illuminates promising new directions for practice and the need for future research focused on strategies to advance early and lasting lifestyle changes to promote cardiovascular health and the prevention of CVD. Adoption of and adherence to the guidelines, continued evaluation and publication of effective practice strategies, and ongoing research are critical to improve efforts to prevent CVD in women.

African experiences of humanitarian cardiovascular medicine: a Kenyan perspective.

The burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is on the rise in Kenya; this is in tandem with that of other non-communicable diseases. Most cardiovascular services are available in the main cities (Nairobi and Mombasa), but almost non-existent in rural and other urban centers. In an attempt to bridge this gap on service delivery, humanitarian activities have been developed over the years by various interested parties. Three models of humanitarian activities are described. The first model (hereby referred to as Model 1) is a school-based rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease (RF/RHD) prevention outreach program which offers diagnostic, preventive, educational and curative services to primary and secondary school children in various parts of the country. The second model (hereby referred to as Model 2) is a hospital-based cardiovascular outreach program located in Kericho, a highland tea growing region that has long been perceived as a "hot spot" for CVD. The third model (hereby referred to as Model 3) is a fixed clinic-based cardiovascular outreach in Kisumu, the lake shore town, about 400 kilometers west of Nairobi. prevention services, early detection and prophylaxis, facilitation for further treatment, follow-up, early disease management, staff motivation, training in basic cardiology skills and increased local awareness of CVD to clinicians in there far-flung centers. Data from these programs is also presented, with two of the programs reporting Kericho County as a 'hot spot' in RF/RHD. Despite various challenges, the future is still bright with sustainable initiatives.

Public knowledge and awareness of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors: a cross-sectional study of 1000 Jordanians

To assess the level of the current knowledge and understanding of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among Jordan's general public, their behaviour towards CVD and the factors associated with different CVD knowledge levels. The data in the present study were collected using an interview-administered questionnaire. One thousand members of the general public were interviewed face to face. CVD knowledge was computed as a continuous variable. The present study reports limited public knowledge and awareness of CVD. Participants were more likely to have better CVD knowledge scores if they were non-smokers, always or often paid attention to their diet, reported having an 'about right' weight, occupied a very high socioeconomic level, held a university degree and had positive family history of CVD. Participants indicated that the community pharmacists had to play a role in helping patients manage their prescribed medicines; however, they did not recognise the community pharmacists' role in other areas of CVD prevention and management. The present study reports that the general public in Jordan has limited knowledge and awareness of CVD. In planning to positively impact CVD prevention and management, community pharmacists must develop and promote effective and accessible services.

DETERMINANTS OF PREVENTIVE BEHAVIOR REGARDING CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES AND RISK FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION AND CHRONIC ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE

Aim. To analyze potential determinants of preventive behavior (PB) in patients with essential hypertension (HT) and chronic ischemic heart disease (CIHD), and to establish their significance and hierarchy. Material and methods. Patients with HT (n=285) and CIHD (n=223) were studied. Questioning of all patients was performed to assess the characteristics of their PB. Differentiated multivariate analysis of activity and efficacy of PB determinants was performed in HT and CIHD patients by the method of step-by-step backward logistic regression. Results. Awareness of the cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and its prevention (odds ratio [OR] 6.08) as well as high level of general education (OR=2.29) were the most significant determinants of active PB in HT patients. Sufficient social support (OR=3.77), awareness of CVD and its prevention (OR=3.16) were the most significant determinants of active PB in patients with CIHD. Efficacy of PB in patients with HT and CIHD mostly depends on satisfaction of medical service (OR=10.2 and 6.63, respectively), social support (OR=6.25 and 10.5, respectively), adequate awareness of CVD and its prevention (OR, 6.92 and 6.64, respectively). Conclusion. PB activity and efficacy in patients with HT and CIHD depends on many contributing and impeding factors. Disregarding these factors can result in failure in preventive efforts at both individual and population levels.

Outcomes of Comprehensive Heart Care Programs in High-Risk Women

The purpose of this study was to improve the fund of knowledge, reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, and attain Healthy People 2010 objectives among women in model women's heart programs. A 6-month pre/post-longitudinal educational intervention of high-risk women (n = 1310) patients at six U.S. women's heart programs consisted of comprehensive heart health counseling and use of American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) Evidence-Based Guidelines as enhancement to usual care delivered via five integrated components: education/awareness, screening/risk assessment, diagnostic testing/treatment, lifestyle modification/rehabilitation, and tracking/evaluation. Demographics, before and after knowledge surveys, clinical diagnoses, laboratory parameters, and Framingham risk scores were also determined. Changes in fund of knowledge, awareness, and risk reduction outcomes and Healthy People 2010 objectives were determined. At 6 months, there were statistically significant improvements in fund of knowledge, risk awareness, and clinical outcomes. Participants attained or exceeded >90% of the Healthy People 2010 objectives. Proportions of participants showing increased knowledge and awareness of CVD as the leading killer of women, of all signs and symptoms of a heart attack, and calling 911 increased significantly (11.1%, 25.4%, and 34.6%, respectively). Health behavior counseling for physical activity, diet, and diabetes as CVD risk factors increased significantly (28.3%, 28.2%, and 12.5%, respectively). There was a statistical 4.1% increase in participants with systolic blood pressure (SBP) <140/90 mm Hg, a 4.7% decrease in participants with total cholesterol (TC) >240 mg/dL, a 4.5% decrease in participants with TC >200 mg/dL, a 5.9% decrease in participants with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) <50 mg/dL, a 4.4% decrease in participants with HDL-C <40 mg/dL, and an 8.8% increase in diabetics with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) <100 mg/dL. CVD prevention built around a comprehensive heart care model program and AHA/ACC Evidence-Based Guidelines can be successful in improving knowledge and awareness, CVD risk factor reduction, and attainment of Healthy People 2010 objectives in high-risk women. Thus, these programs could have a dramatic and lasting impact on the health of women.

Twelve-Year Follow-Up of American Women’s Awareness of Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Barriers to Heart Health

Awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk has been linked to taking preventive action in women. The purpose of this study was to assess contemporary awareness of CVD risk and barriers to prevention in a nationally representative sample of women and to evaluate trends since 1997 from similar triennial surveys. A standardized survey about awareness of CVD risk was completed in 2009 by 1142 women >or=25 years of age, contacted through random digit dialing oversampled for racial/ethnic minorities, and by 1158 women contacted online. There was a significant increase in the proportion of women aware that CVD is the leading cause of death since 1997 (P for trend=<0.0001). Awareness among telephone participants was greater in 2009 compared with 1997 (54% versus 30%, P<0.0001) but not different from 2006 (57%). In multivariate analysis, African American and Hispanic women were significantly less aware than white women, although the gap has narrowed since 1997. Only 53% of women said they would call 9-1-1 if they thought they were having symptoms of a heart attack. The majority of women cited therapies to prevent CVD that are not evidence-based. Common barriers to prevention were family/caretaking responsibilities (51%) and confusion in the media (42%). Community-level changes women thought would be helpful were access to healthy foods (91%), public recreation facilities (80%), and nutrition information in restaurants (79%). Awareness of CVD as the leading cause of death among women has nearly doubled since 1997 but is stabilizing and continues to lag in racial/ethnic minorities. Numerous misperceptions and barriers to prevention persist and women strongly favored environmental approaches to facilitate preventive action.

Statewide Awareness Study on Personal Risks of Cardiovascular Disease in Women: A Go Red North Dakota Study

General awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as the leading cause of death for women and knowledge of CVD risk factors have increased in the last 10 years. Whether this greater general awareness and knowledge leads to improved risk assessment on a personal level remains uncertain. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to measure the knowledge of CVD risk factors and determine the level of personal CVD risk-factor awareness among female public employees of North Dakota, ND, USA. A 30-item, pretested, standardized questionnaire was adapted from previous American Heart Association (AHA) nationwide surveys to measure awareness of the AHA's Go Red For Women movement and cardiovascular health. The online survey was completed by 1044 women, with most of the participants ( approximately 90%) reported as being aware that heart disease was the leading cause of death for women in the USA, which is much higher than the national average. Nearly all the participants (97.3%) correctly recognized the Go Red 'Red Dress' symbol, and knew that it relates to women and heart disease. The prevalence of individual CVD risk awareness was high for blood pressure (82.2%) and moderately high for cholesterol (67%). Much lower rates of CVD awareness were reported for blood glucose (40.8%) and BMI (29.4%). Along with age and certain socioeconomic factors, awareness of any one CVD risk factor was strongly associated with awareness of other CVD risk factors. It is worth mentioning that the participants with favorable demographics and background characteristics and with a high general awareness may also have low personal awareness of certain CVD risk factors. This low personal awareness lessens one's perceived susceptibility to CVD, which in turn reduces the likelihood of adopting preventive action to decrease personal risk of CVD. Future awareness programs should concentrate on improving individual risk awareness, particularly of blood glucose and BMI, as a means of improving behavior towards better cardiovascular health.

Cardiovascular Disease in African American Women: A Health Care Disparities Issue

ObjectivesTo review the current status of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in African American women compared to Caucasian women in regards to 4 categories of CVD: coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, stroke, and congestive heart failure (CHF), and to call attention to the need to place more emphasis on the need to increase awareness of CVD as the greatest killer of African American females in the United States. MethodsA review of the recent literature on the subject of CVD in women over the past several years was conducted with a focus on CVD in African American women. Statistical data on incidence, prevalence, morbidity and mortality of CAD, hypertension, stroke, and CHF in black and white women were compared. ResultsStatistical data gathered over the past several years indicate that African American women have greater mortality than Caucasian women from CAD, hypertension, stroke, and CHF. The mortality rate from CAD is 69% higher in black women than in white women. Mortality for black females from hypertension is 352% higher than for white females. Age-adjusted stroke death rates are 54% higher in African American than in Caucasian women, and the age-adjusted mortality rate per 100 000 is 113.4 vs 97.5 for black and white women, respectively. Incidence, prevalence, and morbidity figures for CAD, hypertension, stroke, and CHF are all higher for African American females than for Caucasian females. ConclusionsAfrican American women are at exceptional risk for CVD, and more recognition of this fact as well as greater awareness of the problem should be promulgated and distributed by means of public education programs. Physicians who treat black patients also need to be encouraged to be more aggressive in their efforts to detect patients at risk and to initiate therapy early on in the course of CVD in this sub-population.

Perceptions and predictions of cardiovascular disease of Alabama women in a rural county

Purpose The aim of this project was to gain a better understanding of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as a women's health issue among Alabama women in a rural county. Research Questions 1. What are the risks and perceptions of CVD of Alabama women in a rural county? 2. What demographic and study variables predict CVD? Methods One hundred twelve women participated in this descriptive, prospective study. Findings Thirty percent identified CVD as the greatest health problem facing women and the leading cause of death in women. Ninety percent believed that they had a 41% or greater chance of developing CVD. The variables in the study explained 60% of the participant's coronary heart disease risk prediction scores. Conclusions The understanding gained in this study will be used to find ways to increase the awareness of CVD and to design interventions that improve the cardiovascular health of women in a rural area of Alabama.

Risk Factor Treatment in Veteran Women at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women. Aggressive management of atherosclerotic risk factors can prevent or delay the onset of CVD. Treatment of modifiable risk factors provides an important opportunity to reduce the burden of CVD in women and decrease future adverse event rates. The aims of this study were to assess current treatment of atherosclerotic risk factors in women found to be at moderate or high-risk for CVD and to examine levels of CVD knowledge and awareness among women found to be at moderate or high-risk for CVD METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, we screened ambulatory female veterans aged 40 to 85 y for the prevalence of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and associated atherosclerotic risk factors, and administered a survey to assess the participants' knowledge and awareness of CVD, risk factors, and consequences. Medical records, pharmacy data, and clinician encounter notes were reviewed for documented evidence of CVD risk factors, comorbidities, and corresponding treatment. From a total cohort of 162 women, 108 (66.7%) were categorized as having an increased risk of cardiovascular disease based on a modification of the Framingham cardiovascular risk score, which took into account the presence of carotid intimal-medial thickness (cIMT) > 1.0 mm or ankle-brachial index <or= 0.9, as determined by a voluntary, one time, noninvasive screening. In no category of CVD risk factor were 100% of the women receiving adequate medical or behavioral management. Especially surprising to us were the low levels of treatment for women with heart disease, smoking, and previous history of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Over half of the women who were postmenopausal or who have had hysterectomy at the time of this study continued to use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) despite warnings about its role in coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, and PAD. One-third of moderate- to high-risk women had evidence of increased cIMT, which is a known surrogate marker of subclinical heart disease. Knowledge and awareness scores were low, regardless of risk factor level and respectable levels of education. Our findings show a high prevalence of CVD risk factors and low knowledge levels among ambulatory veteran women. There is a need for improvement in recognition and aggressive management of CVD risk factors, including the use of noninvasive studies as surrogate markers for early diagnosis. Continued efforts to educate women and providers about CVD risk factors, heart-healthy behaviors, screening, and treatment are vital to improve the current state of women's health and decrease future adverse cardiac event rates.

Nine-Year Trends And Racial And Ethnic Disparities in Women's Awareness of Heart Disease And Stroke: An American Heart Association National Study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate trends in women's awareness, knowledge, and perceptions related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) since 1997, when the American Heart Association initiated a national campaign for women. A nationally representative sample of 1,005 women identified through random digit dialing (mean age 50 years, 71% white) was surveyed in 2006, and results were compared with results of similar surveys conducted in 2003, 2000, and 1997. Awareness, knowledge, and perceptions related to CVD were evaluated using a standardized interviewer-assisted questionnaire. In 2006, awareness of heart disease as the leading cause of death among women was 57%; significantly higher than in prior surveys (p < 0.001). Awareness was lower among black and Hispanic women compared with white women (31% and 29% vs. 68%, p < 0.05), and the racial/ethnic difference has not appreciably changed over time. More than twice as many women felt uninformed about stroke compared to heart disease in 2006 (23% vs. 11%, p < 0.05). Hispanic women were more likely than white women to report that there is nothing they can do to keep themselves from getting CVD (22% vs. 11%, p < 0.05). The majority of respondents (> or = 50%) reported confusion related to basic CVD prevention strategies. CVD awareness has increased significantly among women since 1997, yet the racial/ethnic gap in awareness has not narrowed. Educational efforts to increase heart disease and stroke awareness should be targeted to racial/ethnic minorities, especially Hispanics. Methods to reinforce basic CVD prevention strategies are needed.

National Study of Women’s Awareness, Preventive Action, and Barriers to Cardiovascular Health

There is growing awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as the leading cause of death in women, but whether this greater awareness is associated with increased action by women to lower their personal or family's risk is unknown. A nationally representative sample of 1008 women selected through random-digit dialing were given a standardized questionnaire about history of CVD/risk factors, awareness of leading cause of death, knowledge of healthy and personal levels of CVD risk factors, self-reported actions taken to reduce risk, and barriers to heart health. The rate of awareness of CVD as the leading cause of death has nearly doubled since 1997 (55% versus 30%) was significantly greater for whites compared with blacks and Hispanics (62% versus 38% and 34%, respectively) and was independently correlated with increased physical activity (odds ratio, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.83) and weight loss (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.14 to 2.02) in the previous year in logistic regression models. Fewer than half of the respondents were aware of healthy levels of risk factors. Awareness that personal level was not healthy was positively associated with action. Most women took steps to lower risk in family members and themselves. The most frequently cited barriers for heart health were confusion in the media (49%), the belief that health is determined by a higher power (44%), and caretaking responsibilities (36%). General awareness of CVD risk among women is associated with preventive action. Educational interventions need to be targeted at racial/ethnic minority women.

Barriers to effective implementation of guideline recommendations

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, and its prevention and treatment are important healthcare aims. Hypercholesterolemia is among the most important modifiable risk factors for CVD, and numerous guidelines exist for the treatment of this condition. Nevertheless, despite the existence of well-established and safe pharmacologic therapy for lowering cholesterol and preventing CVD, surveys in the United States and Europe have revealed that many patients have elevated cholesterol levels. There is a clear gap between what is known about treating CVD and the implementation of that knowledge. A survey assessing patients' knowledge about CVD observed that many patients are unaware of the disease prevalence and have little knowledge about the main risk factors, including the importance of cholesterol. Another survey demonstrated that many physicians overestimate patients' awareness of CVD and that physicians also overestimate the extent to which guidelines are implemented in clinical practice. Guideline implementation may be improved by narrowing the discrepancies between what patients and physicians believe and the reality. Many physicians claim that lack of time hinders guideline implementation and improvement of patient education. Physicians also appear to lack the motivation to implement lipid-lowering interventions. A multifactorial approach to improving use of guidelines in clinical practice may improve the treatment and prevention of CVD.