WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent survey findings indicate that most self-described US Hispanics lack an understanding of atherosclerosis despite their overall knowledge of cholesterol risk factors, treatment options and behavioral choices necessary to maintain a heart healthy lifestyle. These findings are based on a national survey conducted by AstraZeneca to better understand the opinions and behaviors of Hispanic Americans around high cholesterol and atherosclerosis. The survey was conducted among 502 Hispanics nationwide and an additional 400 to yield local findings in key Hispanic markets which included Miami, Chicago, Houston and New York. Heart disease is the number one killer of US Hispanics (including both Hispanics and Latinos), claiming the lives of nearly 35,000 Hispanic Americans each year. Atherosclerosis is a common but potentially dangerous disease linked to high levels of LDL or "bad" cholesterol in the bloodstream which overtime can cause plaque buildup within artery walls, severely narrowing or completely blocking the arteries. The consequences of this progressive condition can be severe and far-reaching, leading to a heart attack or stroke. Study results reveal that most Hispanic Americans in key markets surveyed (63 percent) are aware that heart disease is the number one killer of US Hispanics and nearly two-thirds nationwide (62 percent) understand that high cholesterol can contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis. Despite this, only one-third of US Hispanics could provide an explanation of atherosclerosis when asked if they felt comfortable describing it to a friend or family member. Further, familiarity with atherosclerosis lags behind that of diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and high blood pressure in key Hispanic markets. "While my patients are generally unfamiliar with atherosclerosis, most realize it is tied to high cholesterol," said Dr. Rodolfo Trejo of Neighborhood Family Doctor and Medical Research Trust in Boynton Beach, FL. "Hispanic Americans need to ask their doctor about heart health issues and take an active role in their medical care. Knowledge helps to bridge the gap between identifying risk factors and taking solid steps to prevent diseases such as atherosclerosis." While nearly half (46 percent) of US Hispanics surveyed nationwide report having either high cholesterol or a family member with high cholesterol, atherosclerosis awareness levels are significantly lower among 18- to 24-year-olds (17 percent) and 25- to 49-year-olds (35 percent). According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, two out of three Americans will have some degree of plaque buildup in their arteries before the age of 35(1). This stresses the importance of educating the Hispanic community on the disease among all age levels. Controlling cholesterol levels early in life can help prevent the development of atherosclerosis, as this condition can begin in young adulthood and may progress without any physical symptoms throughout a person's life. It is crucial to understand the relationship between cholesterol and heart disease, be aware of prevention facts, talk to a health care provider about personal risk factors and get regular screenings to manage cholesterol levels. For additional information on cholesterol and atherosclerosis call 1-800-236-9933 or visit http://www.laatero.com/. About the Hispanics and High Cholesterol Survey The Hispanics and High Cholesterol survey was conducted by StrategyOne, an applied research consulting firm on behalf of AstraZeneca. The first survey wave polled a nationally representative sample of 502 Hispanic American adults across the nation via telephone between April 29, 2008 - May 6, 2008. The second survey wave polled 400 Hispanic American adults in Chicago, Houston, Miami and New York via telephone between April 15, 2008 - April 21, 2008. The first survey wave has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percent at the 95 percent confidence level and the second survey wave has a margin of error of plus or minus 9.8 percent at a 95 percent confidence level. Both waves were conducted using the field services of Opinion Access Corp and Synovate. For more information on cholesterol and heart health please visit http://www.laatero.com/ or call 1-800-236-9933. About AstraZeneca AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of meaningful prescription medicines and supplier for healthcare services. AstraZeneca is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies with healthcare sales of $29.55 billion and is a leader in gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory, oncology and infectious disease medicines. For more information about AstraZeneca, please visit: http://www.astrazeneca.com/. (1) Strong JP, Malcom GT, McMahan CA, et al. Prevalence and extent of atherosclerosis in adolescents and young adults: implications for prevention from the Pathobiological Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youth study. JAMA. 1999; 281: 727-735. DATASOURCE: AstraZeneca CONTACT: Donna Huang, +1-302-885-6396, , or Leah Geib, +1-302-885-4008, , both of AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Web site: http://www.laatero.com/ http://www.astrazeneca.com/ Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/985887.html

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