Despite being the world’s leading cause of death, cardiovascular disease remains underestimated, and many people delay seeking care or overlook symptoms until they become serious. A recent survey highlights significant gaps in public understanding of heart health, particularly regarding gender-specific symptoms and risk factors.
The European Heart Health Survey, conducted by Daiichi Sankyo in six European countries – Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain – surveyed over 8,500 individuals, including both patients with cardiovascular conditions and members of the general population. The study aimed to assess knowledge levels about cardiovascular health, factors contributing to risk, and barriers to care.
The survey revealed a considerable demand for improved education. Although a majority of respondents (78% and 72%, respectively) correctly identified chest pain and shortness of breath as symptoms of potential heart problems, significant knowledge gaps remain. This underscores the importance of ongoing public health initiatives to raise awareness about recognizing early warning signs.
Gender Disparities in Awareness
A striking finding was the limited understanding of how cardiovascular disease manifests differently in men and women. In Spain, 74% of the general population was unaware that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the country. Across Europe, only 18% of citizens recognized gender as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease – a slight decrease from the 19% observed in other European nations.
Only 14% of Europeans surveyed recognized factors like preeclampsia or early menopause as increasing cardiovascular risk in women. This lack of awareness can contribute to delayed diagnosis and treatment, potentially worsening outcomes.
The survey likewise identified common risk factors that the Spanish population associates with cardiovascular disease, with body weight being the most recognized (69%), followed by hypertension and high cholesterol. Lifestyle factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet, were also acknowledged by a significant portion of respondents (72%).
Barriers to Care and Information Sources
Delays in seeking medical attention are a significant concern. Across Europe, 55% of patients wait several weeks to consult a healthcare professional, potentially hindering early diagnosis and effective treatment. Daiichi Sankyo emphasizes that 80% of premature deaths from cardiovascular disease are preventable, highlighting the critical importance of timely intervention.
Women tend to wait longer for care, with 40% waiting more than six weeks, compared to 28% of men. The survey also revealed that adherence to treatment plans remains a challenge, with 44% of cardiovascular patients not completing their prescribed course of treatment, and nearly 68% discontinuing medication within the first year after a heart attack.
Looking ahead, the survey suggests that digital technologies could play a role in self-management, with 46% of Spanish respondents finding health-related apps useful and almost half of European patients (46%) expressing willingness to use artificial intelligence-based solutions.
According to Raquel Coca, Head of Specialities at Daiichi Sankyo Spain, “There is a widespread belief that cardiovascular disease is primarily a male problem, which leads to underestimating the risk in women and delaying seeking medical attention.”
The survey consistently identified physicians as the most trusted source of information about cardiovascular risk, with 68% of Spanish citizens relying on their primary care doctor. Family members (7%) and social media (3%) were cited far less frequently.
