Perceived Heart Attack Likelihood in Adults with a High Diabetes Risk.

Background: Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women and men in the United States. Yet, little is known about the motivation for care-seeking behavior for heart attack and the perception of self-risk of a heart attack in individuals, especially those at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Objectives: This study aimed to describe knowledge and awareness of heart attacks and perceived risk for future heart attacks and evaluate factors associated with a low perceived risk of a heart attack in adults with a high risk for type 2 diabetes.

Methods: In this secondary data, cross-sectional study, the screening/baseline data of 80 adults participating in the mobile phone-based diabetes prevention program trial were analyzed. Validated measures assessed knowledge, self-efficacy, and heart attack risk perception were used. Logistic regressions were performed.

Results: The mean (standard deviation) age of participants was 55.4 (9.0) years. 32.5% of the sample failed to identify any heart attack symptoms. Half of the sample did not perceive their risk of having a heart attack in their lifetime. Older age, lower body mass index, not having a family history of heart attack, and current smokers were significantly associated with a lower perceived risk of heart attack (P < .05).

Conclusions: Healthcare providers need to assess the discrepancies between the individual's risk perception and the presence of actual risk factors of a heart attack in adults with a high risk for type 2 diabetes.