Awareness of Preventive Measures of Cardiovascular Diseases and Heart Attack Warning Symptoms: Gender-based Differences

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases, mainly ischemic heart disease, is the first cause of mortality in Saudi Arabia (SA). Although cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) prevalence is usually lower in women than in men, women have a higher mortality rate and a worse prognosis than men. Aim: This study aims to identify the level of awareness of CVDs preventive measures and heart attack warning symptoms among the male and female Saudi population. Subjects and methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the current study among 400 adults from Riyadh using a self-completed questionnaire. Results: Men and women had the same level of awareness about preventive measures for CVDs (p >0.05). Females had a higher awareness level than males about symptoms of chest pain (chi-square = 8.247, at p = .005) and weakness or fatigue (chi-square = 11.933, at p=.001), but their awareness level regarding other symptoms was similar. Conclusion: the study respondents had a suboptimal awareness about CVDs preventive measures and warning symptoms of heart attacks. Recommendation: Evidence-based educational intervention is required to enhance the population's knowledge and strengthen their positive attitude towards adopting a healthy lifestyle.