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

pp. 202-209

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women. Nevertheless, women are less likely than men to receive guidance or preventive treatment to reduce it.
Objective: The aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) and detect the level of women's perception and awareness of CRF and CVD.
Methods: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study in July 2021 using a voluntary, anonymous, and online survey. The information collected included age range, CRF, CVD, risk perception and implementation of healthy habits and behaviors.
Results: A total of 3888 women participated (age between 46 and 65 years in 50.1%); 34.1% had excess weight and 43.6% had a waist circumference > 80 cm. Hypertension (HTN) was reported by 24.2%; total cholesterol was > 200 mg/dL in 19.6%; 5,4% were diabetics (DM); 44.3% had sedentary lifestyle; 11.3% were current smokers and 34.5% were former smokers; 82.1% had been pregnant at least once and 26.9% reported a complication during pregnancy. A bad obstetric history was more commonly associated with HTN (34% vs. 24%, p < 0.01), DM (7% vs. 5%, p = 0.04) and CVD (14% vs. 11%, p < 0.01). Among the 10.9% who reported a history of CVD, myocardial infarction was the most common condition (51.1%). Sixty-two percent of survey respondents considered that cancer, and particularly breast cancer (53.4%), is the main cause of death in women.
Conclusions: We found a high prevalence of modifiable CRF with low perception of cardiovascular risk. A bad obstetric history was associated with higher prevalence of CRF.

How to cite this article:

Crosa VL, Ávalos Oddi A, Cáceres L, Castillo Costa Y, Agüero R, Rubilar B. Survey on Women's Perception and Awareness of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and How They Are Managed. Rev Argent Cardiol 2023;91:202-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.7775/rac.v91.i3.20633