The From The Heart study: a global survey of patient understanding of cholesterol management and cardiovascular risk, and physician–patient communication

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Abstract
Objectives: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. A high level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‑C) is a major CVD risk factor. Guidelines recommend effective cholesterol management and set LDL‑C goals, yet deficiencies exist in physician implementation of these recommendations and in patient uptake of the advice. However, little is known of patient perceptions about CVD risk.Methods: Patients and physicians were randomly selected from ten countries to complete a confidential, semi-structured questionnaire.Results: Response rates were 27% (n = 750) for physicians and 83% (n = 1547) for patients. Patients believed cancer (43%) to be a greater cause of mortality than heart attack or stroke (34%). Despite 77% of patients claiming to be satisfied with information on high cholesterol, only 26% were aware that heart attack was a possible consequence, and only 35% of patients thought they had achieved their cholesterol goals. Virtually all physicians (99%) cl...