Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract

Background: The effectiveness of therapy for an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is dependent on patients' quick decision to seek treatment. We surveyed patients' level of knowledge about heart disease and self-perceived risk for a future acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients with documented ischemic heart disease. Methods: Patients (N=3522) had a mean age of 67 years, 68% were male, and all had a history of AMI or invasive cardiac procedure for ischemic heart disease. Data were gathered using a 26-item instrument focusing on ACS symptoms and appropriate steps to seeking treatment. Patients were asked to identify their level of perceived risk for a future AMI. Results: Forty-six percent of patients had low knowledge levels (ie, Ͻ70% of answers were correct). The mean score was 71%. Higher knowledge scores were significantly related to female sex (P = .001), younger age (P =.001), higher education (P =.001), participation in car

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2017 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

“…Among these high-risk participants, 43% underestimated their risk for a future AMI (males 47%, females 36%). 35 …”

Cardiovascular Risk-Factor Knowledge and Risk Perception Among HIV-Infected Adults

“…Also, female gender, higher education, and health insurance status were predictive of higher scores. In a study of more than 3,000 participants with a history of ischemic heart disease, Dracup et al (2008), using a different scale, reported a mean CVD knowledge score of 71%. The mean knowledge score in our cohort, therefore, was fairly high considering that the cohort was younger and had a higher percentage of non-high-school graduates than other non-HIV studies.…”

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2014 Update

“…Among these high-risk participants, 43% underestimated their risk for a future AMI (men 47%, women 36%). 40 …”