Assessment of secondary prevention awareness among patients with coronary artery disease: A survey including patients from 3 centers.

OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to investigate the awareness of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) about secondary prevention and the channels through which they obtained information on this issue. METHODS A standard questionnaire including 45 questions was given to the patients (n=912) who were admitted to the cardiology outpatient clinics to investigate their secondary prevention awareness and lifestyle. RESULTS Of the participants, 508 (55.7%) stated that they knew the condition of their vessels after coronary angiography; 493 (54.1%) stated that they did not exercise; 299 stated that they did not follow any specific diet. Men were more frequently aware of all risk factors except diet, blood glucose, and blood pressure compared to women (p<0.001). Women were more frequently aware that blood glucose and blood pressure are risk factors for CAD compared to men (p<0.001). The high-income patient group was more aware of all the risk factors, except blood glucose compared to the low/medium income patient group (p<0.001). The frequency of awareness, except for blood glucose and antiplatelet drugs, increased as the education level increased (p<0.001). However, the frequency of awareness of blood glucose and antiplatelet drug use was higher in the literate/elementary school/secondary school group (p<0.001). In addition, it was concluded that patients' sexual life and psychological problems after being diagnosed with the disease were rarely questioned by cardiology specialists. CONCLUSION Awareness of patients with CAD about secondary prevention was found to be very low.