Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs Regarding Cardiovascular Disease in Women
Key result
Nationwide survey finds 45% of women remain unaware CVD is their leading cause of death.
- n=1,311
Why the study?
Few younger women are aware that CVD is the leading killer of women in the United States, and CVD campaigns focus little attention on physicians and their roles in assessing risk.
Key Points
- The study aims to identify knowledge gaps and barriers regarding cardiovascular disease in women and physicians.
- Nationwide survey conducted among 1,011 U.S. women aged 25 to 60 years.
- Survey of 200 primary care physicians and 100 cardiologists regarding their perceptions and preparedness.
- 45% of women were unaware that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women.
- Only 22% of primary care physicians felt extremely prepared to assess cardiovascular disease risk in women.
- Physicians prioritized weight issues over cardiovascular disease in patient care.
Study Design
Type
Cross-Sectional (n=1,311)
Multicenter
Yes
Structured PICO
P
Population
1,311 participants including 1,011 U.S. women aged 25 to 60 years, 200 primary care physicians, and 100 cardiologists surveyed to determine barriers and opportunities regarding CVD.
E
Exposure
Nationwide survey
O
Outcome
Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding cardiovascular diseasepatient reported
Key expert perspectives
Captured external expert commentary on this paper, strongest first. Original sources are linked where available.
“Without understanding what the knowledge gaps are, without understanding what attitudes and beliefs are, you will continue to do the same thing that hasn't worked.”
“National action campaigns should work to make cardiovascular disease 'real' to American women and destigmatise the disease by promoting the use of cardiovascular risk assessment to counter stereotypes with facts and valid assessments.”
“Eighty percent of heart disease and stroke is preventable, yet women's heart disease is underdiagnosed, underresearched and underfunded. It is critical that women ask their healthcare providers to check their hearts, and that healthcare providers know that when it comes to heart disease, men and women are different – women's hearts are smaller, their risk factors are different and their symptoms may be different.”
Implication
Significant gaps exist in CVD awareness among women and risk assessment preparedness among physicians, highlighting the need for targeted education and campaigns.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number 1 killer of women in the United States, yet few younger women are aware of this fact. CVD campaigns focus little attention on physicians and their roles in assessing risk. OBJECTIVES: In 2014, the Women's Heart Alliance (WHA) conducted a nationwide survey to determine barriers and opportunities for women and physicians with regard to CVD. METHODS: From September 18 to 26, 2014, a total of 1,011 U.S. women (age 25 to 60 years) were interviewed using the GfK ("Gesellschaft für Konsumforschung" Knowledge Panel). From May 6 to 12, 2014, the e-Rewards Inc. Physician and Healthcare Professional Panel surveyed 200 primary care physicians (PCPs) and 100 cardiologists. RESULTS: Overall, 45% of women were unaware that CVD is the number 1 killer of women; only 11% knew a woman who died from CVD. Overall, 45% of women reported it was common to cancel or postpone a physician appointment until losing weight. CVD was rated as the top concern by only 39% of PCPs, after weight and breast health. Only 22% of PCPs and 42% of cardiologists (p = 0.0477) felt extremely well prepared to assess CVD risk in women, while 42% and 40% felt well-prepared (p = NS), respectively. Few comprehensively implemented guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: CVD was rated as the top concern less frequently than weight issues by both women and physicians. Social stigma particularly regarding body weight appeared to be a barrier. Physicians reported limited training and use of guideline assessment, whereas most supported a campaign and improved physician education. Campaigns should make CVD "real" to U.S. women, countering stereotypes with facts and validated assessments. Both community women and physicians endorsed investment in women's CVD research and physician education.
Discussion
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Cite This Study
Merz et al. (2017) conducted a cross-sectional in Cardiovascular disease (n=1,311). Cardiovascular disease awareness and attitudes was evaluated on Awareness of CVD as the leading cause of death in women and physician preparedness to assess CVD risk. A nationwide survey found 45% of women were unaware CVD is their leading cause of death, and only 22% of primary care physicians felt extremely well prepared to assess women's CVD risk.