WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent survey findings
indicate that most self-described US Hispanics lack an understanding of
atherosclerosis despite their overall knowledge of cholesterol risk
factors, treatment options and behavioral choices necessary to maintain a
heart healthy lifestyle. These findings are based on a national survey
conducted by AstraZeneca to better understand the opinions and behaviors of
Hispanic Americans around high cholesterol and atherosclerosis. The survey
was conducted among 502 Hispanics nationwide and an additional 400 to yield
local findings in key Hispanic markets which included Miami, Chicago,
Houston and New York.
Heart disease is the number one killer of US Hispanics (including both
Hispanics and Latinos), claiming the lives of nearly 35,000 Hispanic
Americans each year. Atherosclerosis is a common but potentially dangerous
disease linked to high levels of LDL or "bad" cholesterol in the
bloodstream which overtime can cause plaque buildup within artery walls,
severely narrowing or completely blocking the arteries. The consequences of
this progressive condition can be severe and far-reaching, leading to a
heart attack or stroke.
Study results reveal that most Hispanic Americans in key markets
surveyed (63 percent) are aware that heart disease is the number one killer
of US Hispanics and nearly two-thirds nationwide (62 percent) understand
that high cholesterol can contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis.
Despite this, only one-third of US Hispanics could provide an explanation
of atherosclerosis when asked if they felt comfortable describing it to a
friend or family member. Further, familiarity with atherosclerosis lags
behind that of diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and high blood
pressure in key Hispanic markets.
"While my patients are generally unfamiliar with atherosclerosis, most
realize it is tied to high cholesterol," said Dr. Rodolfo Trejo of
Neighborhood Family Doctor and Medical Research Trust in Boynton Beach, FL.
"Hispanic Americans need to ask their doctor about heart health issues and
take an active role in their medical care. Knowledge helps to bridge the
gap between identifying risk factors and taking solid steps to prevent
diseases such as atherosclerosis."
While nearly half (46 percent) of US Hispanics surveyed nationwide
report having either high cholesterol or a family member with high
cholesterol, atherosclerosis awareness levels are significantly lower among
18- to 24-year-olds (17 percent) and 25- to 49-year-olds (35 percent).
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical
Association, two out of three Americans will have some degree of plaque
buildup in their arteries before the age of 35(1). This stresses the
importance of educating the Hispanic community on the disease among all age
levels.
Controlling cholesterol levels early in life can help prevent the
development of atherosclerosis, as this condition can begin in young
adulthood and may progress without any physical symptoms throughout a
person's life. It is crucial to understand the relationship between
cholesterol and heart disease, be aware of prevention facts, talk to a
health care provider about personal risk factors and get regular screenings
to manage cholesterol levels. For additional information on cholesterol and
atherosclerosis call 1-800-236-9933 or visit http://www.laatero.com.
About the Hispanics and High Cholesterol Survey
The Hispanics and High Cholesterol survey was conducted by StrategyOne,
an applied research consulting firm on behalf of AstraZeneca. The first
survey wave polled a nationally representative sample of 502 Hispanic
American adults across the nation via telephone between April 29, 2008 -
May 6, 2008. The second survey wave polled 400 Hispanic American adults in
Chicago, Houston, Miami and New York via telephone between April 15, 2008 -
April 21, 2008. The first survey wave has a margin of error of plus or
minus 4.4 percent at the 95 percent confidence level and the second survey
wave has a margin of error of plus or minus 9.8 percent at a 95 percent
confidence level. Both waves were conducted using the field services of
Opinion Access Corp and Synovate. For more information on cholesterol and
heart health please visit http://www.laatero.com or call 1-800-236-9933.
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the
research, development, manufacturing and marketing of meaningful
prescription medicines and supplier for healthcare services. AstraZeneca is
one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies with healthcare sales
of $29.55 billion and is a leader in gastrointestinal, cardiovascular,
neuroscience, respiratory, oncology and infectious disease medicines. For
more information about AstraZeneca, please visit:
http://www.astrazeneca.com.
(1) Strong JP, Malcom GT, McMahan CA, et al. Prevalence and extent of
atherosclerosis in adolescents and young adults: implications for
prevention from the Pathobiological Determinants of Atherosclerosis in
Youth study. JAMA. 1999; 281: 727-735.
SOURCE AstraZeneca
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Related links:
http://www.laatero.com
http://www.astrazeneca.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/985887.html /
CONTACT:
Donna Huang, +1-302-885-6396,
Donna.Huang@astrazeneca.com, or Leah Geib, +1-302-885-4008,
Leah.Geib@astrazeneca.com, both of AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals
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