Cardiovascular Risk Perception Research Articles

Cardiovascular disease in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases: The relationship between self-perceived risk and actual risk

IntroductionAutoimmune diseases are known to be associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases; however, there exists a lack of awareness regarding this increased risk among patients. ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and events in various systemic autoimmune diseases, including Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and Sjögren's syndrome (SS), matched by age, sex, and disease duration. Additionally, the study aimed to evaluate the perceived and actual risks of cardiovascular disease among patients. MethodsA cross-sectional self-reported survey on the patient's perspective of cardiovascular risk was conducted between January and June 2023. Sociodemographic and clinical data, including disease activity, were collected through medical records and questionnaires. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors and events were assessed, alongside the perceived cardiovascular risk. The SCORE calculation and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were employed for cardiovascular risk assessment. ResultsSurvey responses from 180 patients (45 patients each with SSc, SLE, RA, and SS) with systemic autoimmune diseases revealed that 20% perceived a low risk, 23% perceived neither lower nor higher, and 56% perceived a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in the next ten years. Only 45% agreed that their autoimmune disease could increase the risk of a heart attack, even in the absence of other risk factors, and 46.7% were unaware that NSAIDs pose a cardiovascular risk. An association between cardiovascular risk measured by SCORE, comorbidities, and risk perception was observed in RA, SSc, and SS patients, with no association found in SLE patients (p=0.27). Except for SS patients (p=0.02), no association between CCI and disease activity level was found. Regarding the influence of age, working status, and education in CVD risk perception, an association between CVD risk perception and age was observed (p=0.01), with patients over 40 years exhibiting a higher perception of CVD risk. No differences were found regarding working status (p=0.19) nor education level (p=0.06). ConclusionsPatients with SS, RA, and SSc displayed a heightened perception of cardiovascular risk, correlating with their actual risk and preexisting comorbidities. However, patients exhibited unawareness of certain cardiovascular risk behaviors. This underscores the need for tailored education programs on cardiovascular risk for autoimmune disease patients, to be implemented at the time of diagnosis and during follow-up in outpatient clinics.

Association between cardiovascular risk and maternal perception of BMI in Peruvian schoolchildren.

In the modern era, the maternal perception of children's nutritional status has emerged as a critical area of study, given its potential influence on nutritional interventions and long-term child health. The relationship between this perception and children's Body Mass Index (BMI) by age is particularly intriguing, as it may reveal discrepancies between perception and reality. The aim of this study was to evaluate Peruvian mothers' perception of their children's Body Mass Index (BMI) in relation to age and to determine how this perception associates with the children's cardiovascular risk. The study also analyzed sociodemographic factors that might influence this perception. The study included 130 mothers of schoolchildren aged 5 to 11 from a school in Lima. Mothers' perceptions of their children's weight were assessed using pictograms, and sociodemographic characteristics were collected through a questionnaire. Weight and height measurements were taken to calculate BMI, and waist circumference was measured to classify cardiovascular risk. A total of 57.4% of the schoolchildren presented with excess malnutrition, and 51.5% of the mothers incorrectly classified the actual BMI/Age of their children (kappa 0.11; p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, it was found that the schoolchild's age is associated with the mother's failure to accurately perceive her child's weight (OR 1.59). Lastly, there was a significant association between maternal perception and cardiovascular risk (p ≤ 0.05). There is a significant discrepancy between maternal perception and the actual nutritional status of children, which can increase cardiovascular risk. It is necessary to implement intervention and education strategies targeted at parents to enhance the recognition and management of childhood overweight and obesity.

Impaired perception of cardiovascular risk and health literacy in individuals with high cardiovascular diseases risk from different socioeconomic levels in Antalya, Turkey.

This study aimed to determine how the frequency of impaired perception of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is correlated with health literacy in individuals with high CVD risk in two regions with different socioeconomic levels. A descriptive study was conducted. The Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation, recommended by the European and Turkish Cardiology Societies, provides recommendations based on individuals' actual CVD risk levels. According to the Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation, participants suffering from diseases were identified as high and very high risk. The perception of risk was determined by subjectively assessing the risk level of the individuals. The European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire was used. The Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-squared test and Spearman's correlation analysis were used to analyse the data. We also conducted a logistic regression analysis to identify factors contributing to impaired perception of CVD risk. A total of 384 individuals, aged between 40 and 70years (with a mean age of 58.35±8.33years), were included in the study. These individuals had a high risk of CVD and were registered to family health centres from two different socioeconomic levels. Out of the 384 participants, 201 individuals belonged to the lower socioeconomic level region and 183 individuals belonged to the higher socioeconomic level region. A total of 61.7% of the participants with high CVD risk had an impaired perception of CVD risk. The health literacy level of 59.9% of individuals was either inadequate or problematic. The health literacy score of participants with impaired risk perception (29.59±9.07) was lower than those with correct risk perception (35.83±10.94; P <0.001). Factors that affected the perception of CVD risk included age, education level, working status, occupation, a family history of CVD, the CVD risk assessment by health professionals and the recommendation of health professionals to individuals for CVD screening. It is necessary for health care professionals to make risk assessments and perform interventions to improve health literacy to raise the awareness of individuals with high CVD risk on their actual risk.

Cardiovascular health awareness, risk perception, behavioural intention and INTERHEART risk stratification among middle-aged adults in Malaysia

Objective: To investigate the interrelationship between cardiovascular health awareness, risk perception, behavioural intention, and INTERHEART risk stratification in a middle-aged adult population in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey with convenience sampling was conducted during November 2022 and January 2023. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing cardiovascular health awareness, risk perception of cardiovascular diseases, behavioural intention towards adopting healthy habits, and INTERHEART risk stratification score (IHRS) based on established risk factors. A total of 602 respondents were included in the final analysis. Data were analysed with independent t-test/one-way ANOVA or Mann- Whitney/Kruskai-Wailis to test the differences, Pearson correlation or linear regression test to analyze the association of independent and dependent variables. Results: There was a significant positive correlation between medical knowledge related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and knowledge related to CVD risk prevention, risk perception, behavioural intention and IHRS (P&lt;0.05, Pearson correlation). Notably, individuals with higher IHRS tended to have lower knowledge related to CVD and CVD risk prevention, risk perception, and behavioural intention. Males, laborers, active/former smokers, individuals with lower household income and educational levels, those involved in occupations not related to the healthcare sector, and those who did not receive the CVD health brochure or are unaware of health self-assessment tools are likely to have lower levels of knowledge, risk perception, and poorer behavioural intention regarding cardiovascular health (P&lt;0.05, one-way ANOVA). While educational level, smoking status, awareness about CVD poster, self-assessment tools were repeatedly significantly associated with knowledge related to CVD and CVD risk prevention, risk perception, behavioral intention and/or IHRS (P&lt;0.05, linear regression). Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of promoting cardiovascular health awareness and risk perception among middle-aged adults to foster positive BI and reduce CVD risk. Tailored interventions targeting specific risk factors identified by INTERHEART may enhance risk stratification accuracy and facilitate targeted preventive strategies.

Does a multi-component intervention including pictorial risk communication about subclinical atherosclerosis improve perceptions of cardiovascular disease risk without deteriorating efficacy beliefs?

BackgroundPictorial communication about subclinical atherosclerosis can improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, but whether it leads to long-term shifts in self-rated CVD risk (risk perception) and beliefs about possibility to influence personal risk (efficacy beliefs) is unknown. PurposeTo study the impact of personalized color-coded and age-related risk communication about atherosclerosis and motivational conversation, compared to traditional risk factor-based communication, on risk perception and efficacy beliefs. Also, whether risk perception increases with message severity. MethodThe effect of the pragmatic RCT Visualization of Asymptomatic Atherosclerotic Disease for Optimum Cardiovascular Prevention (VIPVIZA) was analyzed using a linear mixed effects model with risk perception and efficacy believes at 1-year and 3-year follow up as dependent variables. Participants’ (n = 3532) CVD risk perception and efficacy beliefs were assessed with visual analog scales (0–10). Fixed effects were group (intervention vs control), time point (1 year or 3 years) and interaction between group and time point. Further, the models were adjusted for corresponding baseline measurement of the dependent variable and a baseline × time point interaction. Effect of pictorial color-coded risk in the intervention group was investigated using a corresponding mixed effects model, but with pictorial risk group (message severity) as exposure instead of intervention group. ResultsAfter one year, the intervention group rated their CVD risk as higher (m = 0.46, 95% CI 0.32–0.59), with an effect also after 3 years (m = 0.57, 95% CI 0.43–0.70). The effect was consistent in stratified analyses by sex and education. Overall, no effect on efficacy beliefs was observed. In the intervention group, differences in CVD risk perception were found between participants with different color-coded risk messages on atherosclerosis status. ConclusionPersonalized, color-coded and age-related risk communication about atherosclerosis had an effect on risk perception with an effect also after 3 years, whereas overall, no effect on efficacy beliefs was observed.

Sex differences in the perception of cardiovascular risk in familial hypercholesterolemia

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a common genetic condition, is characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Recent data indicate an undertreatment of females with FH. To characterize the role of sex in the perception of FH, its associated ASCVD risk and treatment. A survey investigating for sex differences in the perception of FH was sent to 1073 patients with FH using a cross sectional study design. A total of 412 patients (51.9 % male) responded to the survey; mean age was 56.2 ± 14.4 years. There was a higher proportion of males with ASCVD than females (41.5 % vs. 16.5 %, respectively, p<0.001). Analyses of the survey responses showed that a majority of both males and females agreed that their risk of ASCVD is higher than healthy individuals of same age (70.8 % vs. 74.7 %, respectively, p = 0.434). Females were more concerned about having high LDL-C levels (67.5 % vs. 56.5 % in males, p = 0.024), especially those in secondary prevention programs. As for treatment of FH, approximately 75 % of both sex groups considered statins to be efficient in reducing the risk of myocardial infarction, but less than half of the females considered statins to be safe (44.8 % vs. 60.0 % in males, p = 0.003). No major sex differences were noted regarding the influence of the doctor in their understanding of FH as a disease. Overall, both males and females with FH were well informed about FH, although females were more concerned about having high LDL-C levels and they feared the safety of statins.

Psychometric Properties of a Brief Version of the Perception of Risk of Heart Disease Scale in an Italian Sample.

The number of Italian citizens unaware of their risk of cardiovascular disease it is still very high. This study aimed to translate and preliminarily validate a brief Italian version of the Perception of Risk of Heart Disease Scale (PRHDS). PRHDS was culturally adapted to the Italian context. Then, the scale was administered to 772 healthy adults. By randomly dividing the sample into two subsamples, we tested the scale dimensionality through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) followed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Finally, we evaluated internal consistency. Psychometric properties of the scale were appropriate. EFA and CFA evidenced a unidimensional structure of a brief version of the scale, composed of six items. Internal consistency was adequate. Italian version of the brief PRHDS is a promising self-report questionnaire to measure cardiovascular risk perception among Italian adults.

Perceived Cardiovascular Disease Risk Following Preeclampsia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Preeclampsia has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and the preeclamptic women were unaware of this link. Therefore, this study aims to assess women's knowledge and perception of future CVD after preeclampsia. This study used a cross-sectional descriptive design. Two hundred and forty-six women with a preeclampsia history were recruited from the Al Salam MCH Center and Suez Canal University Hospital. Data were collected during March 2022 using a socio-demographic questionnaire, an Adapted Coronary Heart disease knowledge tool for preeclamptic women, and The Perception of Risk of Heart Disease Scale (PRHDS). Most women (96%) were unaware of the relationship between CVD and preeclampsia. The women had a low CVD knowledge level (10.26 ± 6.08) as well as a low perception of cardiovascular disease risk (37.15 ± 7.22). There was a significant positive correlation between CVD knowledge and CVD risk perception (r = 0.434, p = 0.000). This study found that preeclampsia survivors underestimated their CVD risk. Based on these findings, preeclamptic women should receive health education sessions on CVD risk and prevention from their nurses and obstetricians. The hospital pre-discharge plan must contain these sessions in written and electronic formats to help women remember and follow CVD risk reduction measures.

Interprofessional Collaboration: Use of Cardiac Risk Perception Tool by Personal Trainers

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major cause of death in the United States. The Institute of Medicine and The American Association of College of Nursing recommend an interprofessional teamwork approach to improving cardiac health outcomes. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if individuals who participate in a Personal Trainer Program perceived themselves to be at risk for developing CVD. Methods: This was a descriptive psychometric study. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted using the Cardiovascular Risk Perception Survey (CRPS). The participants were volunteers in a Personal Trainer Program who answered the CRPS Questionnaire which addressed known cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Spearman correlations showed strong relationships were shared with high blood pressure (HBP) &amp; high cholesterol (HC) (0.595), and HBP and age &amp; gender (AG) (0.591). Moderate relationships were also seen between HBP with diabetes (DM) (0.465), ethnicity (ET) (0.359), and family history (FH) (0.398). Aside from HBP, HC shared moderate relationships with physical inactivity (PI) (0.351), DM (0.382), ET (0.351), FH (0.369), and stress level (ST) (0.358). Strong relationships were shared with Overweight (OW) &amp; PI (0.686), as well as OW &amp; DM (0.549). Moderate relationships were seen with OW and smoking (SM) (0.419), as well as with OW and AG (0.475), ET (0.432), and FH (0.427). Strong relationships were shared between PI and DM (0.669), while PI shared moderate to strong relationships with SM (0.443), AG (0.501), ET (0.395), FH (0.442), and ST (0.397). Moderate-to-strong relationships were shared between DM and the following: AG (0.469), ET (0.468), FH (0.681), and ST (0.673). Finally, AG, ET, FH, and ST shared strong relationships with each other. Conclusion: Personal trainers in collaboration with nurses have the opportunity to promote cardiovascular knowledge and prevent cardiac risk factors. Interprofessional education and collaboration among health sciences professionals could influence cardiovascular outcomes.

Patient perceptions of cardiovascular risk, lipid management and statins in type 1 diabetes

Lipid-lowering reduces cardiovascular risk in type 1 diabetes (T1D), but dyslipidaemia remains under-recognised and under-treated. Through patient surveys, barriers to lipid management in T1D were identified, including lack of awareness of cardiovascular risk and cholesterol levels, preference for managing glycaemia over lipids, preference for lifestyle modification over pharmacotherapy, and statin side-effect concerns.

POST EVENT-CARDIOVASCULAR RISK PERCEPTION SURVEY: VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY IN CARDIAC PATIENTS POST HEART EVENT.

Background: Cardiac risk perception in patients who had a heart event is unknown. Purpose: Evaluate the validity and reliability of the Post Event-Cardiovascular Risk Perception Survey (PE-CRPS). Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a convenient sample of 251 patients who experienced a heart event. Descriptive and exploratory factor analyses was used to analyze the data. Results: Nine of ten items with an oblique (direct oblimin) rotation resulted in two factors extracted, which explained 54% of the variance. The two factors represented perception of medical history variable and a stress/family history variable. Cronbach's α reliability analyses indicated both factors were reliable; strongly related with a correlation of .69 and .81. Conclusion: Cardiovascular risk perception explained by two factors.

Perception of Cardiovascular Risk in Familial Hypercholesterolemia According to Sex

Perception of Cardiovascular Risk in Familial Hypercholesterolemia According to Sex

Postpartum perception of cardiovascular risk and risk modification in patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are associated with future cardiovascular risk. We sought to assess risk-perception for future hypertension (HTN) among individuals with HDP undergoing postpartum blood pressure monitoring and a lifestyle intervention. We utilized data from a randomized clinical trial of overweight and obese individuals with HDP and no pre-pregnancy HTN. Participants were randomized postpartum to usual care, home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM), and HBPM with a remote lifestyle intervention. We collected data at enrollment and one year postpartum to assess effects of the interventions, disease severity, and need for anti-hypertensive medications on participants’ perception of risk. Questions were adapted from Kim and Walker’s validated survey of chronic diabetes risk in those with gestational diabetes (scale 1-5; 5 indicating higher risk perception). We compared data across groups using Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model odds of ‘high’ risk perception at follow-up (score >4). Complete data was available on 129 of the 148 participants (87%). Overall, those with HDP saw themselves as high risk for developing HTN (median 4 [IQR 3,4]) at enrollment (mean 10.5±6.1 weeks postpartum). Participants randomized to lifestyle intervention or HBPM had higher risk perception at one-year postpartum compared to control (median change 0 [0,1] and 0 [0,1] vs 0 [-1, 0], respectively, p=0.04). After controlling for arm, those with preterm deliveries or who were on anti-hypertensives were more likely to see themselves as high risk compared to those with term deliveries or who did not need medications, respectively. Risk perception for future HTN in individuals with HDP is high overall. It is affected by factors such as disease severity and anti-hypertensive use and may be higher following participation in postpartum interventions. Understanding factors that influence risk perception following HDP may lead to more informed counseling and the adoption of programs which modify risk perception and mitigate future CVD risk.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Women’s perceptions of cardiovascular risk after preeclampsia: a qualitative study

BackgroundPreeclampsia is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life, but studies suggest that women with previous preeclampsia are not aware of this. Little is known about how these women perceive the condition and the associated long-term risks. We examined the experiences and perceptions of preeclampsia and the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) later in life among Danish women with previous preeclampsia and their attitudes towards CVD risk screening.MethodsTen individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with women with previous preeclampsia. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsWe identified six themes: 1) Experiences and perceptions of being diagnosed with preeclampsia, 2) Awareness about increased risk of CVD later in life, 3) Knowledge as a precondition for action, 4) The perception of CVD risk as being modifiable, 5) Motivators for and barriers to a healthy lifestyle, and 6) Screening for CVD. Awareness of the severity of preeclampsia was limited prior to being diagnosed. Particularly among those with few or no symptoms, preeclampsia was perceived as a non-severe condition, which was further reinforced by the experience of having received very little information. Nonetheless, some women were shocked by the diagnosis and feared for the health of the offspring. Many women also experienced physical and psychological consequences of preeclampsia. Awareness of the increased risk of later CVD was lacking; yet, when informed, the women considered this to be essential knowledge to be able to act accordingly. The risk of future CVD was perceived to be partly modifiable with a healthy lifestyle, and the women expressed a need for counselling on appropriate lifestyle changes to reduce CVD risk. Other factors were also mentioned as imperative for lifestyle changes, including social support. The women were generally positive towards potential future screening for CVD because it could provide them with information about their health condition.ConclusionsAfter preeclampsia, women experienced a lack of knowledge on preeclampsia and the increased risk of CVD later in life. Improved information and follow-up after preeclampsia, including guidance on CVD risk reduction and support from health professionals and family, are warranted.

Abstract 14683: Cardiovascular Risk Perception in Young Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Introduction: Risk perception is one of the factors influencing adoption of health protective behaviors, cardiac rehabilitation, and quality of life. While younger CAD patients tend to experience lower quality of life, their risk perception profile is less well-characterized. Methods: The Young Heart Study enrolled 60 patients ≤59 years old, with coronary artery disease noted on cardiac catheterization or CT coronary angiogram and at least two uncontrolled risk factors: BMI&gt;25 kg/m2, A1C &gt;7% in patients with diabetes, and &gt;5.6% in those without, systolic blood pressure &gt;130 mmHg, LDL&gt;70 mg/dL or active smoking. Perception of cardiovascular (CV) risk and health was collected via structured questionnaires. Results: Among the 60 patients in the study, the median age (Q1-Q3) was 51 (45-55), 70% were male, 46.7% were white. Participants had hypertension (76.7%), hyperlipidemia (91.7%), diabetes (36.7%), prediabetes (28.3%), obstructive CAD (88.3%), myocardial infarction history (38.3%), family history of premature ASCVD (48.3%) and self-reported depression or anxiety (11.7%). Health perception related questions were answered by 46 of these patients. Gender-specific waist circumference goals were not met in 54.6% and metabolic syndrome was noted in 60%. Most (91.7%) had a BMI greater than 25. Participants rated their CV risk as below average (21.7%), average (30.4%), and above average (47.8%) risk of peers of same age and sex. Only 8.3% identified a need for change to their medication regimen, despite most having biomarkers above targets (52.5% for LDL, 53.3% for BP, and 68.1% for A1c). Diet and physical activities were identified as areas for improvement by 83.3%, and weight by 72.9% of patients. Among smokers, all felt their smoking status could be improved. Most (68.1%) reported they were confident they could control their CV risk, while 21.3% answered neutral and 10.7% disagreed. Conclusion: In this above-average/high-risk population, we detected a gap between the clinician’s and patient’s CV risk perception. Exploring patient health perception in the clinic may identify areas for education and counseling. Future studies are needed to assess the impact of various interventions on perceived CV risk and on the adoption of cardio-protective behaviors.

Know Your Numbers: Patient and Physician Disparity in Cardiovascular Risk Perception After an Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Know Your Numbers: Patient and Physician Disparity in Cardiovascular Risk Perception After an Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Pregnancy complications and cardiovascular disease risk perception: A qualitative study.

We aimed to assess women's perceptions on the long-term risks for cardiovascular disease (CVD) after major pregnancy complications. Women who experienced major pregnancy complications and those who experienced uncomplicated pregnancies were invited to participate in a qualitative study. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and self-administered questionnaires were used to explore: The knowledge of long-term sequelae after experiencing a major pregnancy complication; Importance of education on heart health; The practicality of referral to a clinic after pregnancy complications; Willingness for regular postpartum clinic visits after pregnancy complications. A thematic qualitative analysis was undertaken. 26 women participated in four FGDs. The majority of women did not know of the association between major pregnancy complications and CVD. The main views expressed were: Women who experience pregnancy complications should receive education on improving heart health; An appointment for the first CVD risk screening visit needs to be made prior to discharge from the delivery suite; Women will benefit by having the option to select between a hospital and a general-practitioner based model of follow up. These views are important in developing postpartum strategies to reduce CVD risk among women who experience pregnancy complications.

Knowledge and perception of cardiovascular disease risk in women of reproductive age

ObjectiveWomen who experience adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, their knowledge of CVD risk is not well characterized. We aimed to evaluate knowledge and perception of CVD risk in young women and to determine whether these factors differ based on experience of an APO. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among women with a recent live birth at an urban medical center. Knowledge and perception of CVD risk were assessed through a self-administered online survey adapted from the American Heart Association Survey of Women's CVD Awareness. ResultsOf 5612 individuals contacted between 3/1/21 and 4/18/21, 714 completed the survey; the mean (SD) age was 34 (4) years and 25% reported an APO. While 62% of respondents identified CVD as the leading cause of death in women, there was no significant difference in CVD knowledge scores between participants who reported experiencing an APO and those who did not (6.9 vs 6.8 out of 10; p = 0.51). Participants who reported experiencing an APO had higher perception of personal risk for CVD (adjusted odds ratio, 2.64 [95% CI 1.83-3.80]) compared with participants who did not. Half of participants who experienced an APO reported perceiving average, or below average, risk for CVD and only 41 (22.5%) reported speaking with a healthcare professional about CVD within the past year. ConclusionsGaps remain in knowledge of CVD risk among young women, particularly after an APO. The peripartum period may represent a unique opportunity for targeted education when healthcare engagement is high.

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Education Using a Virtual Environment in Sexual-Minority Men of Color With HIV: Protocol for a Sequential, Mixed Method, Waitlist Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundIt is estimated that 70% of all deaths each year in the United States are due to chronic conditions. Cardiovascular disease (CVD), a chronic condition, is the leading cause of death in ethnic and racial minority males. It has been identified as the second most common cause of death in persons with HIV. By the year 2030, it is estimated that 78% of persons with HIV will be diagnosed with CVD.ObjectiveWe propose the first technology-based virtual environment intervention to address behavioral, modifiable risk factors associated with cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities in sexual-minority men of color with HIV.MethodsThis study will be guided using social cognitive theory and the Technology Acceptance Model. A sequential, mixed method, waitlist controlled randomized control feasibility trial will be conducted. Aim 1 is to qualitatively explore perceptions of cardiovascular risk in 15 participants. Aim 2 is to conduct a waitlist controlled comparison to test if a virtual environment is feasible and acceptable for CVD prevention, based on web-based, self-assessed, behavioral, and psychosocial outcomes in 80 sexual-minority men of color with HIV.ResultsThe study was approved by the New York University Institutional Review Board in 2019, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in 2020, and by the Yale University Institutional Review Board in February 2022. As of April 2022, aim 1 data collection is 87% completed. We expect to complete data collection for aim 1 by April 30, 2022. Recruitment for aim 2 will begin mid-May 2022.ConclusionsThis study will be the first online virtual environment intervention for CVD prevention in sexual-minority men of color with HIV. We anticipate that the intervention will be beneficial for CVD prevention education and building peer social supports, resulting in change or modification over time in risk behaviors for CVD.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05242952; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05242952International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/38348

Cardiovascular Risk Perception and Knowledge among Italian Women: Lessons from IGENDA Protocol.

A multicenter, cross-sectional observational study (Italian GENder Differences in Awareness of Cardiovascular risk, IGENDA study) was carried out to evaluate the perception and knowledge of cardiovascular risk among Italian women. An anonymous questionnaire was completed by 4454 women (44.3 ± 14.1 years). The 70% of respondents correctly identified cardiovascular disease (CVD) as the leading cause of death. More than half of respondents quoted cancer as the greatest current and future health problem of women of same age. Sixty percent of interviewed women considered CVD as an almost exclusively male condition. Although respondents showed a good knowledge of the major cardiovascular risk factors, the presence of cardiovascular risk factors was not associated with higher odds of identifying CVD as the biggest cause of death. Less than 10% of respondents perceived themselves as being at high CVD risk, and the increased CVD risk perception was associated with ageing, higher frequency of cardiovascular risk factors and disease, and a poorer self-rated health status. The findings of this study highlight the low perception of cardiovascular risk in Italian women and suggest an urgent need to enhance knowledge and perception of CVD risk in women as a real health problem and not just as a as a life-threatening threat.