Abstract 14683: Cardiovascular Risk Perception in Young Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Introduction: Risk perception is one of the factors influencing adoption of health protective behaviors, cardiac rehabilitation, and quality of life. While younger CAD patients tend to experience lower quality of life, their risk perception profile is less well-characterized. Methods: The Young Heart Study enrolled 60 patients ≤59 years old, with coronary artery disease noted on cardiac catheterization or CT coronary angiogram and at least two uncontrolled risk factors: BMI>25 kg/m2, A1C >7% in patients with diabetes, and >5.6% in those without, systolic blood pressure >130 mmHg, LDL>70 mg/dL or active smoking. Perception of cardiovascular (CV) risk and health was collected via structured questionnaires. Results: Among the 60 patients in the study, the median age (Q1-Q3) was 51 (45-55), 70% were male, 46.7% were white. Participants had hypertension (76.7%), hyperlipidemia (91.7%), diabetes (36.7%), prediabetes (28.3%), obstructive CAD (88.3%), myocardial infarction history (38.3%), family history of premature ASCVD (48.3%) and self-reported depression or anxiety (11.7%). Health perception related questions were answered by 46 of these patients. Gender-specific waist circumference goals were not met in 54.6% and metabolic syndrome was noted in 60%. Most (91.7%) had a BMI greater than 25. Participants rated their CV risk as below average (21.7%), average (30.4%), and above average (47.8%) risk of peers of same age and sex. Only 8.3% identified a need for change to their medication regimen, despite most having biomarkers above targets (52.5% for LDL, 53.3% for BP, and 68.1% for A1c). Diet and physical activities were identified as areas for improvement by 83.3%, and weight by 72.9% of patients. Among smokers, all felt their smoking status could be improved. Most (68.1%) reported they were confident they could control their CV risk, while 21.3% answered neutral and 10.7% disagreed. Conclusion: In this above-average/high-risk population, we detected a gap between the clinician’s and patient’s CV risk perception. Exploring patient health perception in the clinic may identify areas for education and counseling. Future studies are needed to assess the impact of various interventions on perceived CV risk and on the adoption of cardio-protective behaviors.