Key result
Family history of CVD is linked to ~84% higher awareness of CVD sex differences.
Why the study?
Sex differences in the pathophysiology, symptoms, and outcomes of CVD are increasingly recognized, but public awareness of these sex-specific differences and the sociodemographic factors associated with it in the Korean population remain underexplored.
Cross-Sectional (n=2,003)
Yes
Public awareness of sex-specific differences in cardiovascular disease is low (39.7%) in South Korea and is driven by socioeconomic factors and family history rather than female sex, highlighting a need for targeted public health education.
Calls for public education on sex differences in CVD; leaves open whether awareness affects outcomes in cross-sectional data.
Background Sex differences in the pathophysiology, symptoms, and outcomes of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are increasingly recognized. However, public awareness regarding these sex-specific differences remains underexplored. Purpose This study aimed to evaluate public perception of sex differences in CVD management and identify sociodemographic factors associated with awareness in the Korean population. Methods We conducted a nationwide, stratified, cross-sectional survey of 2,003 adults (aged 20–80 years) in July 2025. Participants were recruited via a proportional allocation method based on age, sex, and region. Awareness of sex differences in CVD symptoms, risk factors, and treatment outcomes was assessed. To analyze factors associated with perception, participants were classified into two groups based on their response to the question, "Do you think sex differences may affect the management of cardiovascular disease?" Those who answered "Strongly agree" or "Somewhat agree" were defined as the high perception group, while those who answered "Somewhat disagree," "Strongly disagree," or "Not sure" were classified as the low perception group. Results Among 2,003 participants (mean age 49.5 years; 50.0% women), only 39.7% demonstrated a high perception of sex differences in CVD. While general awareness of CVD was comparable between sexes, specific knowledge regarding female-specific risk factors, sex differences in symptoms, cause, treatment response, and drug efficacy were significantly lower in the low-perception group (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that high household income (>5 million KRW) (odds ratio [OR]: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.00–2.12) and a family history of CVD (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.50–2.26) were associated with better awareness. Conversely, unemployment was identified as an independent risk factor for low perception. Notably, female sex was not associated with higher awareness. Conclusions Public awareness of sex-specific characteristics in CVD remains low in Korea, with socioeconomic factors playing a significant role. Women are not more aware of sex-specific cardiovascular risks than men, revealing a key gap in public health messaging. Targeted, sex-sensitive education for vulnerable socioeconomic groups is urgently needed to reduce disparities and improve cardiovascular outcomes.
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Kim et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Cardiovascular disease awareness (n=2,003). Sociodemographic factors (e.g., family history of CVD, high household income) vs. Low perception group / reference sociodemographic categories was evaluated on High perception of sex differences in cardiovascular disease management (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.50-2.26, p=<0.001). Family history of CVD (OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.50-2.26) and high income (OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.00-2.12) were associated with higher awareness of sex differences in CVD, which was present in 39.7% overall.
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