Survey Shows Many in the U.S. Unaware of Heart Health Risk Factors and, Among Other Things, Skip Medication Doses
Around 40% of Florida residents do not recognize the dangers of alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and sleep deprivation, the survey also found…
- Survey Shows Many in the U.S. Unaware of Heart Health Risk Factors and, Among Other Things, Skip Medication Doses
- The following are some additional factors that can affect heart health:
- The regional survey revealed that nearly all respondents believe supplements can improve heart health (97%).
- However, many supplements can pose risks for certain individuals and may interfere with some medications.
- Among the most cited reasons for not taking medication prescribed by a specialist are:
A new Cleveland Clinic survey revealed that many in Florida are unaware of how certain habits can harm their health and increase the risk of heart disease.
Although 72% of surveyed Floridians knew that stress can negatively impact heart health, about two in five were unaware that alcohol consumption and lack of sleep also have harmful cardiac effects.
The following are some additional factors that can affect heart health:
– Tobacco use (39%)
– Air pollution (65%)
– Vitamins and supplements (89%)
“This is the first time we have limited the Cleveland Clinic’s annual survey to a specific location, in an effort to better educate our communities about the importance of maintaining a healthy heart and overall vitality,” said José Navia, MD, Vice Chair of Cleveland Clinic’s Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute in Florida. “The data is significant: when nearly half of the population is unaware of how certain behaviors and habits can harm their health, it reinforces the urgency to drive meaningful change in preventing heart disease.”
The regional survey revealed that nearly all respondents believe supplements can improve heart health (97%).
While 96% of Florida residents said they currently take or have taken vitamins or supplements in the past, only 48% of those participants consume supplements to support heart health, with the most commonly taken being vitamin D, multivitamins, and fish oil.
One standout finding from the study is that although 97% said they would be willing to take a statin or other heart medication if recommended by their doctor, 68% believe prescription medication should be a last resort when it comes to heart health.
Additionally, 84% of survey participants said that if they could choose, they would prefer to take supplements over prescribed medication to improve their heart health.
However, many supplements can pose risks for certain individuals and may interfere with some medications.
Overall, scientific studies have shown that most supplements are not effective in improving heart health and that some may even have negative effects.
The study results also reveal that 3 in 5 people admitted to skipping doses of heart medications or taking less than prescribed, such as aspirin, statins, or blood pressure drugs, and many respondents underestimated the consequences of missing doses.
“As with any critical treatment, adherence to heart medication is crucial for managing symptoms, preventing complications, and ensuring long-term health,” said Dr. Navia. “When doses are skipped, these medications cannot effectively prevent the progression of heart disease or related conditions, putting overall health at significant risk.”
Among the most cited reasons for not taking medication prescribed by a specialist are:
They simply forgot (62%)
They felt depressed or had mental health issues (14%)
They felt healthy (10%)
They dislike being on so many medications (10%)
They took too many medications to keep up (10%)
The medications are too expensive (10%)
The study also revealed that while most Floridians know if heart disease runs in their family (88%), many are unaware of certain genetic factors that can play a key role in heart health, such as lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a).
Lipoprotein(a) is a key genetic marker for measuring heart disease risk, and lifestyle changes cannot alter these levels. Doctors recommend that people with a family history of heart disease get an annual blood test to check their levels.
The survey found that 70% of participants mistakenly believe lipoprotein(a) levels are mostly determined by lifestyle factors, and only 22% said they have had their Lp(a) levels checked.
The survey was conducted as part of the Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute’s consumer education campaign “Love Your Heart,” in celebration of American Heart Month in February.
For information on the national survey, visit: clevelandclinic.org/loveyourheart.
