Awareness Of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Research Articles

Improving awareness of cardiovascular risk factors in young Australian adults: We can do better.

Improving awareness of cardiovascular risk factors in young Australian adults: We can do better.

Encuesta sobre factores de riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular en la mujer, su percepción, conocimiento y conducta de prevención

Introducción: La enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV) es la principal causa de muerte en la mujer. A pesar de esto, las mujeres reciben menos frecuentemente que los hombres asesoramiento y/o tratamiento preventivo con el objetivo de disminuir la ECV.Objetivo: Detectar la prevalencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular (FRC) y pesquisar el nivel de percepción y conocimiento de la mujer sobre FRC y ECV.Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, de corte transversal realizado en julio 2021, mediante una encuesta en formato digital de participación anónima y voluntaria. Se recabó información sobre edad, FRC, ECV, percepción de riesgo, implementación de hábitos y conductas saludables.Resultados: Participaron 3338 mujeres. El 50,1% tenía entre 46 y 65 años. El 34,1% tenía sobrepeso, el 43,6% perímetro de cintura mayor que 80 cm, el 24,2% hipertensión (HTA), el 19,6% colesterol mayor que 200 mg/dL, el 5,4% diabetes (DBT); 44,3% eran exfumadoras. El 82,1% tuvo al menos un embarazo y el 26,9% refirió alguna complicación. Entre las pacientes con antecedentes de complicaciones del embarazo fueron significativamente más frecuentes la HTA (34% vs 24%, p <0,01), la DBT (7% vs 5%, p = 0,04) y la ECV (14% vs 11%, p <0,01). Del total de encuestadas 10,9% refirió ECV, el antecedente de infarto de miocardio fue el más frecuente (51,1%). El 62% de las encuestadas consideró que la principal causa de muerte en la mujer es el cáncer, particularmente de mama (53,4%).Conclusiones: Se encontró una alta prevalencia de FRC modificables con baja percepción del riesgo cardiovascular. El antecedentede complicaciones del embarazo se asoció con mayor prevalencia de FRC. Cómo citar este artículo: Crosa VL, Ávalos Oddi A, Cáceres L, Castillo Costa Y, Agüero R, Rubilar B. Encuesta sobre factores de riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular en la mujer, su percepción, conocimiento y conducta de prevención. Rev Argent Cardiol 2023;91:212-220. http://dx.doi.org/10.7775/rac.es.v91.i3.20633

Survey on Women's Perception and Awareness of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and How They Are Managed

Survey on Women's Perception and Awareness of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and How They Are Managed

Knowledge, awareness, and presence of cardiovascular risk factors among college staff of a Nigerian University

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of global morbidity often overlooked. Much of the population risk of CVD is attributable to modifiable risk factors, and the gaps in knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) are barriers to the effective prevention and treatment of CVDs.AimTo assess the knowledge, awareness, and CVD risk among the staff of the college of health science.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 70 academic and non-academic staff who consented were given questionnaires for cardiovascular risk factor (CRF) knowledge level, cardiovascular risk awareness (CRA), international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ), and international stress management association questionnaire (ISMAQ). Selected anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and fasting blood sugar (FBG) were also measured.ResultsThe mean knowledge level of CVDs was 23.21 ± 3.230, and the mean CRA was 42.61 ± 4.237. The study participants demonstrated moderate-to-high stress (48%), physical inactivity of 18.9%, overweight/obesity of 62.48%, abdominal obesity of 21.4%, hypertensive (systole and diastole) of 27.2%, hyperglycemic of 7.2%, and smokers of 7.2%. There was a significant relationship between the participants’ knowledge level and awareness of CVDs (p < 0.003) and knowledge of CRFs also increased with an increase in educational level. Participants > 40 years had a 3–9% risk of having a CVD event within 10 years.ConclusionsThe knowledge and awareness of CRFs among the participants was high, and some exhibited risk factors. The staff of the university could improve their risk score by practicing health-promoting behaviors like increased physical activity, blood pressure control, and smoking cessation.

Frequency and characteristics of diabetes in lipodystrophies and insulin receptoropathies compared with type 1 and type 2: results from the multicenter DPV registry.

To investigate the frequency, treatment, and outcome of patients with diabetes due to severe insulin resistance syndromes (SIRS). Based on data from the multicenter prospective Diabetes Registry DPV, we analyzed diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of 636,777 patients with diabetes from 1995 to 2022. Diabetes due to SIRS was documented in 67 cases (62.7% females), 25 (37%) had lipodystrophies (LD) and 42 (63%) had congenital defects of insulin signaling. The relative frequency compared to type 1 diabetes (T1D) was about 1:2300. Median age at diabetes diagnosis in patients with SIRS was 14.8 years (interquartile range (IQR) 12.8-33.8). A total of 38 patients with SIRS (57%) received insulin and 34 (51%) other antidiabetics, mostly metformin. As high as 16% of patients with LD were treated with fibrates. Three out of eight patients with generalized LD (37.5%) were treated with metreleptin and one patient with Rabson-Mendenhall syndrome was treated with recombinant insulin-like growth factor 1. The median glycated hemoglobin level at follow-up was 7.1% (54 mmol/mol). Patients with LD had higher triglycerides than patients with T1D and T2D (P < 0.001 and P = 0.022, respectively), and also significantly higher liver enzymes and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol than patients with T1D (P < 0.001). Patients with insulin receptor disorders were significantly less likely to be treated with antihypertensive medication than patients with T2D (P = 0.042), despite having similar levels of hypertension. Diabetes due to SIRS is rarely diagnosed and should be suspected in lean children or young adults without classical T1D. Awareness of cardiovascular risk factors in these patients should be raised.

Dissemination of Selected Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases Among Patients Using Primary Health Care in the Lodz Voivodeship

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases, classified as civilization diseases, constitute the most common cause of death among both women and men. Metabolic syndrome is a set of factors that predispose to the occurrence such diseases. Importantly, can be partly prevented by reducing modifiable risk factors. Objective The aim of the study was to uncover the distribution of selected risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among patients utilising primary health care in the Lodz Voivodeship. Material and methods An original online questionnaire consisting of 32 questions was distributed. The study involved 164 inhabitants of the Lodz Voivode-ship who use primary health care facilities. Inclusion criteria: residents of the Lodz Voivodeship, aged between 30 and 60 years as well as informed consent to participate in the study. Results Hypertension affected 26.2% of participants. In the age range 30–40 years: 4.1% of participants, 41–50 years: 28.3%, and 51–60 years: 61.4% of participants. Diabetes affected 21.3% of participants. 64% of respondents had a BMI above normal. 28.7% of respondents did not engage in physical activity. Among the surveyed, smokers accounted for 37.8%. Among university diploma holders, smokers accounted for 28.2%, and those with non-university education – 54.1%. Conclusions The incidence of hypertension in the population of Lodz increases with age. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was independent of gender but dependent on education – higher among respondents with non-university education. Most of the inhabitants of the Lodz Voivodeship were physically active. Moreover, the most frequently chosen forms of physical activity were walking and Nordic walking, and less frequently – aerobics. The prevalence of smoking was similar among women and men. Smokers were more likely to be people with non-university education. The need of taking measures to raise awareness of cardiovascular risk factors, promote healthy lifestyles, and combat obesity has been identified.

Gender differences in cardiovascular risk factor awareness. Results from the ESC EORP EUROASPIRE V registry

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Fonds voor hartchirurgie - Fonds pour la Chirurgie Cardiaque Background Risk factor awareness among coronary patients is related to a decreased risk of recurrent coronary events and hence important in the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD). Whereas previous studies demonstrated gender differences in disfavour of women with regard to patients’ risk factor control, little is known about gender differences in patients’ risk factor awareness. Purpose The aim of this study was to document potential gender differences across Europe in patients’ risk factor awareness and information provided by healthcare professionals. Methods Analyses were based on data from the most recent ESC EORP EUROASPIRE V survey (European Survey Of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention And Diabetes, 2016-17). Consecutive patients hospitalized for a first or recurrent coronary event or surgical procedure between 18-80 years old at the time of identification were retrospectively identified in 27 countries. Awareness of risk factor levels were defined as patients’ self-reported awareness about their latest weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, total cholesterol, blood glucose levels, and HbA1c levels. Data on risk factor awareness and information provided by healthcare professionals were obtained from patient interviews (6 months to 2 years prior to the date of the study visit). Logistic regression analyses were performed adjusting for age and medical history (stroke, heart failure, and diabetes). Results Information was available on 8,261 patients, including 25.8% women. Women were significantly older (65.4 vs. 63.0 years) and were more likely to have a history of stroke (5.3% vs. 3.7%; P=0.002), heart failure (7.6% vs. 5.9%; P=0.006), and self-reported diabetes (33.1% vs. 28.0%; P&amp;lt;0.001). Overall, no significant gender differences were found regarding the information provided by a healthcare professional on overweight, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, whereas, a higher proportion of women with hypertension (≥140/80 (≥140/85 if diabetes)) (OR=2.07, 95% CI=4.60-2.68) and women with raised cholesterol levels (LDL-C ≥1.8mmol/L) (OR=1.31, 95% CI=1.14-1.51) were informed about their raised risk factor levels. Furthermore, women with obesity were less aware about their actual weight (OR= 0.66, 95% CI=0.52-0.85) and weight target level (OR= 0.66, 95% CI=0.54-0.81) than men. In contrast, no significant gender differences in awareness of waist circumference levels were found in obese patients neither for fasting blood glucose or HbA1c levels in patients with self-reported diabetes. Women with hypertension and those found with raised LDL-C levels were more aware about their target blood pressure level (OR=1.21, 95% CI=1.01-1.46) and actual cholesterol level (OR=1.18, 95% CI=1.02-1.36). Conclusions Our study reveals only little gender differences in disfavour of women in terms of information provided by healthcare professionals and risk factor awareness.

Gender differences in cardiovascular risk factor awareness: Results from the ESC EORP EUROASPIRE V Registry

BackgroundPatients' risk factor awareness is essential to decrease the risk of recurrent coronary events. The aim of this study was to provide up-to-date evidence on existing gender differences in the patients' knowledge of risk factors and information provided by healthcare professionals. MethodsAnalyses were based on the cross-sectional ESC EORP EUROASPIRE V survey, including data on CHD patients across 27 European countries. Consecutive patients (18–80 years), hospitalized for a coronary event or surgical procedure, were retrospectively identified. Information on risk factor awareness was collected from medical records, medical examination, and structured questionnaires during the study visit (six months to two years after hospitalization). ResultsPatient information was available for 8261 patients, of which 25.8% were women. Although women with obesity were significantly less aware about their actual (OR = 0.66, CI = 0.52–0.85) and target weight levels (OR = 0.66, CI = 0.54–0.81), no significant gender differences in risk factor awareness were found in disfavour of women. Remarkably, women with hypertension and women with raised low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were even more aware about their target blood pressure levels (OR = 1.21, CI = 1.01–1.46) and actual cholesterol levels (OR = 1.18, CI = 1.02–1.36), respectively. Moreover, there is some indication that women were more informed by a healthcare professional if they had raised CHD risk factor levels. ConclusionsOur study showed only few gender differences in disfavour of women in terms of risk factor awareness and information provided by a healthcare professional. Nevertheless, previous EUROASPIRE V findings demonstrated that women still have a poorer risk factor control in secondary CHD prevention.

Awareness of cardiovascular diseases and their associated risk factors among the general population in Hail city, Saudi Arabia

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are one of the major health problems and the leading cause of mortality and disability globally. CVDs are responsible for 17.3 million deaths annually. Epidemiological data on the knowledge and attitude towards cardiovascular diseases and risk factors among the general population in Saudi Arabia is lacking; therefore, assessing the public awareness of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases is critical. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted among 1,172 participants from the general population in Hail city. Using a self-administered questionnaire, the sample was selected at random from 18-60 years olds. Results: A total of 1,172 participants responded to the survey. Participants who responded were mostly males (69.1%) and (30.7%) were females. Participants managed to recognize that coronary heart disease (74.5%), congenital heart disease (53.4%) ares types of CVDs. The overall knowledge on cardiovascular disease was poor with mean score of 12.24 out of 25.0. Conclusion: The available data indicate poor knowledge about cardiovascular diseases and associated risk factors;, it’s very important to establish more widespread awareness campaigns regarding CVDs awareness. Keywords: Myocardial infarction, Acute coronary syndrome, Survey, Cardiovascular diseases, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia

Awareness of dementia risk reduction among current and future healthcare professionals: A survey study.

Background: The total number of people affected by dementia worldwide is increasing rapidly. Recent studies provided evidence for the contribution of modifiable risk and protective factors to dementia risk. Although healthcare professionals could play an essential role in informing the general public about the relationship between lifestyle and dementia, it is unclear what they know about this relationship. Therefore, this study assesses the awareness of dementia risk reduction among current and future healthcare professionals.Design and methods: An online survey was carried out among 182 healthcare students from Maastricht University and 20 general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses in Limburg, The Netherlands. The survey assessed the knowledge about risk and protective factors of dementia and identified needs, wishes and barriers concerning dementia risk reduction strategies.Results: The majority of current (75.0%) and future (81.9%) healthcare professionals indicated that dementia risk reduction is possible. Among students, awareness of cardiovascular risk factors of dementia (e.g., coronary heart disease (44.5%), hypertension (53.8%)) was low. Most participants (>70.0%) would like to receive more information about dementia risk reduction.Conclusions: The majority of current and future healthcare professionals were aware of the relationship between lifestyle and dementia risk. However, there are still substantial gaps in knowledge regarding individual dementia risk factors. Given the essential role of healthcare professionals in providing lifestyle advice, there is a need to increase awareness by providing educational programs focused on dementia risk reduction. Significance for public health Since the number of individuals with dementia is increasing worldwide, dementia is a major public health concern. As there is no curative treatment for dementia yet, recent research has focused on the contribution of lifestyle factors to dementia risk. Cumulating evidence has shown that modifiable risk factors such as smoking, hypertension and depression are attributable to around 40% of all dementia cases. However, the majority of the general public is unaware of the relationship between lifestyle and dementia risk. Although current and future healthcare professionals play an important role in informing the general public about this relationship, the present study showed that there are gaps in knowledge on specific risk factors for dementia. Therefore, educational programs are urgently needed to increase awareness of dementia risk reduction among current and future healthcare professionals.

Low Awareness of Cardiovascular Risk Factor Among Patients Admitted in Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are still the leading cause of death and disability worldwide despite the availability of well-established and effective preventive strategies. We aim to assess patients awareness of the main modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in a population with recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS) admitted in cardiac rehabilitation unit. 50 patients with recent ACS have been recruited. We used a 9-items questionnaire about awareness of CV risk factors and eating habits. Many patients underestimate the role of physical activity (PA), cigarette smoking and diabetes as main CV risk factors. Although the importance of good eating habits as cardiovascular protector is well known, only few participants declare a healthy balanced diet. This study revealed low awareness of common CV risk factors among patients with recent ACS. Individual training plans and the use of technological development to improve awareness and adherence are needed especially in high risk population.

Cardiovascular Assessment Tool for Breast Cancer Survivors and Oncology Providers: Usability Study.

BackgroundCardiovascular health is of increasing concern to breast cancer survivors and their health care providers, as many survivors are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than cancer. Implementing clinical decision support tools to address cardiovascular risk factor awareness in the oncology setting may enhance survivors’ attainment or maintenance of cardiovascular health.ObjectiveWe sought to evaluate survivors’ awareness of cardiovascular risk factors and examine the usability of a novel electronic health record enabled cardiovascular health tool from the perspective of both breast cancer survivors and oncology providers.MethodsBreast cancer survivors (n=49) recruited from a survivorship clinic interacted with the cardiovascular health tool and completed pre and posttool assessments about cardiovascular health knowledge and perceptions of the tool. Oncologists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners (n=20) who provide care to survivors also viewed the cardiovascular health tool and completed assessments of perceived usability and acceptability.ResultsEnrolled breast cancer survivors (84% White race, 4% Hispanic ethnicity) had been diagnosed 10.8 years ago (SD 6.0) with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage 0, I, or II (45/49, 92%). Prior to viewing the tool, 65% of survivors (32/49) reported not knowing their level for one or more cardiovascular health factors (range 0-4). On average, only 45% (range 0%-86%) of survivors’ known cardiovascular health factors were at an ideal level. More than 50% of survivors had ideal smoking status (45/48, 94%) or blood glucose level (29/45, 64%); meanwhile, less than 50% had ideal blood pressure (12/49, 24%), body mass index (12/49, 24%), cholesterol level (17/35, 49%), diet (7/49, 14%), and physical activity (10/49. 20%). More than 90% of survivors thought the tool was easy to understand (46/47, 98%), improved their understanding (43/47, 91%), and was helpful (45/47, 96%); overall, 94% (44/47 survivors) liked the tool. A majority of survivors (44/47, 94%) thought oncologists should discuss cardiovascular health during survivorship care. Most (12/20, 60%) oncology providers (female: 12/20, 60%; physicians: 14/20, 70%) had been practicing for more than 5 years. Most providers agreed the tool provided useful information (18/20, 90%), would help their effectiveness (18/20, 90%), was easy to use (20/20, 100%), and presented information in a useful format (19/20, 95%); and 85% of providers (17/20) reported they would use the tool most or all of the time when providing survivorship care.ConclusionsThese usability data demonstrate acceptability of a cardiovascular health clinical decision support tool in oncology practices. Oncology providers and breast cancer survivors would likely value the integration of such apps in survivorship care. By increasing awareness and communication regarding cardiovascular health, electronic health record–enabled tools may improve survivorship care delivery for breast cancer and ultimately patient outcomes.

Medications and lifestyles of patients with cardiovascular risk factors and/or disease in turkish patients (medlife-tr)

Background and Aim: Lifestyles and behavoiral patterns of patients must be known to improve public health and to prevent cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In this study, we aimed to provide insights into the lifestyles and behavioral patterns of patients applied to outpatient cardiology clinics in Turkey. Materials and Methods: The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire about awareness of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and individual CV risk levels, lifestyles, and medications. Results: A total of 2793 patients, 52.1% of females with a mean age of 57.0 ± 14.0 years were included. The most common risk factor was hypertension. The most common CVD was coronary artery disease. The calculated CV risk level of 1041 patients (37.3%) was high, while only 20.4% of all participants identified themselves as high risk. Participants were aware that hypertension, smoking, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, sedentary, family history, and aging were risk factors for CVD. About 44% of the patients reported that they used additional salt and the majority reported that they did not consume fast food. The most commonly prescribed CV drug was beta-blockers (44.9%) and 22.4% of patients were taking minimum of 5 drugs daily. Conclusion: The awareness of CV risk factors and risk levels is low in the study population. Guideline recommended medications and lifestyle changes are not sufficiently implemented.

Knowledge and Prevalence of Heart Disease Risk Factors Among Staff of a Tertiary Institution in Nigeria.

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of mortality worldwide. Hence, awareness of cardiovascular risk factors is an essential step towards effective reduction of the disease burden. This study determined the knowledge and prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among Staff of Ekiti State University. Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study which comprised of 223 members of staff. There were 103 males (46.2%). Low knowledge of heart disease risk factors was found in 68.6% of the respondents. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, overweight, obesity, physical inactivity was 35.4%, 12.1%, 31.8%, 23.3%, and 83% respectively. Family history of hypertension was a predictor of a high level of knowledge. A low level of knowledge and increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors existed among staff of Ekiti State University, Nigeria. Hence, there should be a step-up of awareness campaigns and promotion of healthy lifestyle among this category of people.

Sex-related trends of cardiovascular risk perception and prevention behaviors: results from the italian society of cardiovascular survey

Abstract Background Recent reports evidenced gender differences in the knowledge, perception and awareness of cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular diseases. Purposes To evaluate trends in awareness of cardiovascular risk, as well as knowledge of symptoms and preventive behaviors related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods As part of Vivi con il Cuore (campaign with the goal of raising awareness about women's heart disease) a nationwide survey was conducted. Standardized questions on awareness of CVD risk, as well as prevention behaviors and barriers, were provided through a computer-assisted web interviewing platform to a large sample of Italians citizens ranging from 40 to 70 years old. The sample was representative of the population by age, sex, and area of geographical residence. Results A total of 1,000 subjects were included in this survey, of which 511 (51%) female. About 60% of women indicated cancer as the leading cause of death among female sex, while only 22% indicated cardiovascular disease. Similarly, when the same question was asked to men, 44% indicated cancer and 21% cardiovascular disease, observations that were consistent across age categories. Although a well sizable part of the population (90% of the interviewees) have consulted the general practitioner in the last year, only 45% of women and 56% of men declared to receive information about CVD risk. Almost 84% among men and women, recognized the importance of knowing how to understand the symptoms of a heart attack due to the possibility of survival. An additional survey was conducted among young cardiologists under 40 years old, including a total of 200 young cardiologists, similarly distributed among men and women (47% and 53% respectively). About 24% of young cardiologists indicated breast cancer as the leading cause of death in women, while only 70% reported cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, 35% of participants reported that they did not have adequate training on the risks of heart disease in women. Conclusions In this survey, only 22% of women were aware that cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women. Likewise, a well sizable part of young cardiologists (30%) does not recognize cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death in women. These data should inform public health campaigns to focus on evidence-based strategies to prevent CVD and to help target messages that resonate and motivate women to take action. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Abbott

Knowledge and awareness of cardiovascular risk factors among young adults

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are becoming a major cause of death worldwide. Understanding the risk factors for CVD could provide important perception towards the etiology, course, prevention, and treatment for this key health problem. Aim of the survey was to create awareness on the cardiovascular risk factors among young adults. A self-administrated questionnaire was prepared and circulated via an online platform. The data were and the results represented as a bar graph. The data were with SPSS software (SPSS). In this survey, about 52% of the young adults were aware of cardiovascular risk factors, about 57.4% of subjects agreed that smoking is a risk factor of cardiovascular disease, but 42% were not aware of it. 65.3% are aware that elevated blood pressure is also a risk factor for CVD. 56.4% knew that obesity increases a person's risk of cardiovascular disease, but 44% did not agree with that. The survey concluded that there was moderate awareness among young adults about the risk factors of cardiovascular disease, and hence more health awareness should be created for common cardiovascular diseases.

Awareness on Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Working Women - A Questionnaire Survey

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are becoming a serious health issue across the world and conventional risk factors are associated with lifestyle behaviours in all age groups. According to WHO, heart diseases are rapidly increasing in India and it is noted that CVD is not having any boundaries in terms of sex, socioeconomic or geography. The present study is aimed to determine the awareness of cardiovascular risk factors among working women. Self-administered questionnaire was prepared based on cardiovascular risk factors and circulated through an online survey link. The sample size was about 109 working women. The purpose of the study was explained in detail to the participants. The collected data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software. 89.9% of the population thought that working women are more prone to cardiovascular risk factors and 10.1% thought that working women are not prone to CVDs. 60.6% of the participants responded that PCOS could be a risk factor and remaining 39.4% responded that it is not a risk factor for CVD. The entire population answered that a healthy lifestyle and diet could reduce the risk of CVD. The Pearson Chi-square analysis showed that there is no association between the age group of the respondents and awareness of cardiovascular risk factors. To conclude, the awareness of the cardiovascular risk factors among working women was satisfactory.

Awareness and adherence to primary and primordial preventive measures among family members of patients with myocardial infarction-the unmet need for a “Preventive Clinic”

Cardiovascular diseases remain the most common cause of sudden death and cause significant morbidity. We planned this study to assess awareness of cardiovascular risk factors among kin of myocardial infarction patients. We assessed 382 individuals for their knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors. Less than 50% of subjects identified cardiovascular risk factors correctly. Amongst the kins of patients 19.1%, 18.5%, 15.4% were newly diagnosed to have hypertension, impaired fasting blood glucose, diabetes in this study. This study reveals that most of the subjects were unaware of risk factors and were reluctant to adopt a healthy lifestyle. This is a lost opportunity for community-level preventive interventions. There is an unmet need for active health education, follow up with electronic support systems, and a team approach for a model preventive clinic.

Feasibility and Utility of a Cardiovascular Risk Screening Tool in Women Undergoing Routine Gynecology Evaluation

The goals of this multicenter survey were to examine the prevalence and patient awareness of cardiovascular risk factors, and the association between history of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO—including gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia) and prevalence of cardiovascular risks among women presenting to outpatient obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN) clinics. We surveyed 2,946 female patients attending 16 outpatient OB/GYN clinics across the United States between January 2010 and January 2012. Main outcome measures were self-reported cardiovascular risk factors and symptoms such as angina and dyspnea. Mean age of the patients was 51 ± 13.6 years. Cardiovascular risks and symptoms were highly prevalent (86.0% and 40.1%, respectively). Many patients did not know if they had common risk factors such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or diabetes (18.4%, 32.0%, and 17.9%, respectively). Women with a history of APO were slightly more likely to be aware of common risk factors, including abnormal blood pressure (17% vs. 18.6%), high cholesterol (31.7% vs. 32%), and obesity/elevated body mass index (43.9% vs. 49.7%). Compared with patients with no history of APO, patients with APO (n = 380, 12.9%) were more likely to have risk factors (89.5% vs. 83.9%, p = 0.002) and symptoms (45.5% vs. 39.3%, p = 0.02). Awareness of cardiovascular risk factors and symptoms among all women surveyed in this study was poor, although awareness for some risk factors was relatively higher among patients with APO. This study demonstrates the feasibility of cardiovascular assessment in OB/GYN clinics using a simple questionnaire and its potential role for early recognition and timely intervention.

055 Prevalence and Patient Awareness of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Community-Based Australian Cohort

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia but the burden of modifiable risk factors is incompletely understood. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence and awareness of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes in a large community-based cohort. Between 2011 - 2018, a Heart Health Check Booth established by the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute evaluated 23,357 individuals (44% male; aged 18-101 years, mean 52) across Australia by questionnaires, sphygmomanometry, and finger-prick testing for total cholesterol (TC) and blood sugar levels (BSL). 8.2% participants had abnormal blood pressure (BP; >140/90 mmHg), 28.8% had high TC (>5.5 mmol/L) and 7.5% had high non-fasting BSL (>8 mmol/L). In multivariate analysis, all three risk factors were associated with increasing age. Abnormal BP was associated with male gender (p<0.001), high TC (p<0.001), high BSL (p<0.001), and no private health insurance (p<0.003). Abnormal TC was associated with female gender (p<0.001) and rural location (p<0.001). Abnormal BSL was associated with male gender (p<0.001) and metropolitan location (p<0.001). 5.5% of the cohort had 2 or 3 risk factors while 61.5% had no risk factors. 46.6% participants knew their BP, 30% knew TC, and 7.8% knew BSL. Risk factor awareness was greatest in subjects aged 65-74 years, with females having greater awareness of BP. These data suggest that cardiovascular risk factors may be less prevalent than portrayed by Australian Bureau of Statistics. Targeted screening and increased personal awareness of modifiable risk factors need to be incorporated into national heart disease prevention strategies.