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

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.