Public beliefs about causes and prevention of heart attacks
R. B. Shekelle and S. C. Liu
Interviews with a probability sample of 617 adults in the Chicago area
indicated widespread lack of information about major probable causes of
heart attacks in persons younger than 60 years: 28% named cigarette
smoking, 21% named high blood pressure, and 13% named cholesterol or fat in
the diet or blood. Half did not name any of these risk factors, and only 1%
named all three. Although three fourths believed that heart attacks are
preventable, few named specific behaviors that would effectively reduce
risk factors other than smoking. Sustained community-wide educational
programs about reducing coronary risk factors are clearly needed and can be
effective.
