New multinational survey results show major discrepancy between understanding significance of high cholesterol and taking action against this major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

The European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) announced results from a new multinational survey that illustrates a significant gap between the public’s understanding about high cholesterol and taking action to better monitor their own cholesterol. On World Heart Day, a day that aims to increase global awareness and prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the results from the Think Again About Cholesterol survey of more than 12,000 adults from 11 European countries and Japan highlight the need for additional educational efforts and resources to help people better understand how high cholesterol is a major risk factor for CVD. The survey was conducted online on behalf of EAS by Harris Poll, a leading global provider of information and analytics, and sponsored by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Although 89 per cent of adults surveyed agreed it is important to know whether or not they have high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), an overwhelming 92 per cent did not know their LDL-C levels or never had their cholesterol levels tested. High levels of LDL-C, often called “bad cholesterol”, can lead to atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in the artery walls), which in turn, can lead to heart attack or stroke.

It is recommended that adults with low CVD risk should have their cholesterol levels tested every five years. For those taking medication to control their high cholesterol, most guidelines recommend an annual test once their target level is reached.

The results further revealed nearly half of those surveyed are worried about cancer (45 per cent), compared to just over one in four who are worried about heart disease (27 per cent). However, according to the World Health Organisation, Europe has the greatest prevalence per capita of high cholesterol in the world and CVD causes almost half of all deaths across the continent. Total cholesterol, smoking and high blood pressure are considered among the most important modifiable risk factors for CVD; on the other hand, when asked about what factors most impact heart health, more survey respondents indicated several other issues ahead of high cholesterol, including being overweight, stress and high blood pressure.

“The only way to reverse the staggering rates of CVD-related deaths in Europe is to continue to increase awareness of key risk factors such as high LDL-C, along with smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes and to encourage people to better monitor and manage all of their risk factors,” said Alberico L. Catapano, president EAS, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan. “Our goal is that these survey results will start an important dialogue on the broader implications of high LDL-C and encourage everyone to speak with their doctor and have their cholesterol levels checked if they haven’t already or have them checked regularly. It’s clear that most people agree with the importance of knowing their cholesterol levels, but with 92 per cent of people unaware of their levels, it is critically important to convert this into action.”

 

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