¹Division of Hypertension, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA

Abstract

Mississippi leads the nation in cardiovascular disease rates. The major modifiable risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease include high blood pressure, smoking, overweight and obesity, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes. For several of these risk factors, Mississippians have among the highest prevalence rates in the nation. Many adults, are often unaware of the normal or desired health "numbers". Increasing awareness is imperative and is the first step in prevention and treatment strategies. Health education campaigns, including awareness assessment, can increase patient awareness and health consciousness. All adults should be aware of both normal or desired health "numbers" as well as their own numbers or values. The purpose of this study was to compare cardiovascular health awareness among patients routinely followed in a hypertension speciality clinic with that of patrons frequenting fitness centers.

An assessment of health awareness was performed in a hypertension specialtiy clinic and at fitness centers in close geographic proximity to the clinic over a 2-month period. Outcome measures included current awareness rates of appropriate blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI, and cholesterol. Each patient or patron was asked to complete the Do You Know Your Numbers? questionnaire assessing health awareness. Both patients and patrons were more likely to be aware of desired blood pressure values. Of the patients, 86% were aware of a desired blood pressure compared 70% of the patrons. Fifty-two percent of patients identified an appropriate blood sugar compared to 28% of patrons. This increased to 76% in patients with diabetes. An appropriate cholesterol value was identified by 48% of patients and 39% of patrons. A normal BMI was the value least likely to be correctly identified by either patients and patrons with correct answers by 17% and 9%, respectively. Interestingly, current smoking rates were virtually identical between patients and patrons and consistent with the state reported rate of 24%. Overall, clinic patients were more likely to be aware of normal health values than patrons engaging in healthy behaviors. This hopefully reflects clinic education effectiveness but still clearly identifies the need for an improved focus.