National Survey Reveals Contradictory Awareness Levels of High Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis Among Hispanic Americans
10 September 2008 - 2:00PM
PR Newswire (US)
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
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