Many Hispanic Heart Attack Survivors View Event as ‘Wake-Up’ Call, Though Few Take Actions To Prevent Second Event, Survey Shows
Even though many Hispanics who have had a heart attack view the event as a "wake-up call," few are making the lifestyle changes needed to prevent another heart attack from occurring, according to a recent survey commissioned by the National Hispanic Medical Association, HealthDay/Austin American-Statesman reports (HealthDay/Austin American-Statesman, 4/5). The survey -- which was conducted by the company Yankelovich and funded by GlaxoSmithKline -- is part of the "Heartfelt Wake-Up Call" campaign, which seeks to increase educational material available to Hispanics on how to prevent a second heart attack. TSC, a division of Yankelovich, conducted an online survey between Aug. 25, 2006, and Sept. 20, 2006, among 501 Hispanics who had experienced a heart attack (NHMA release, 3/26). The survey found nearly one-third of respondents had experienced more than one heart attack, but many did not practice healthy eating habits, exercise or take the proper medications needed to prevent a second heart attack or other cardiovascular event. In addition:
- 59% said they wanted additional information on risk factors for another heart attack;
- 55% wanted information and guidance on medications;
- 70% said they consult their doctors for such information, while 62% said they use the Internet;
- 90% thought they would benefit from advice from other heart attack survivors; and
- 64% have been diagnosed with hypertension and are concerned about it and 51% are diagnosed with high cholesterol and are concerned about it.
NHMA President and CEO Elena Rios in a statement said, "By sharing these survey findings with the broader community, we hope to remind Hispanic heart attack survivors that they are not alone, and there are many ways they can find information and support to live a healthy life" (HealthDay/Austin American-Statesman, 4/5). This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.