Cleveland Clinic Survey: Americans Unaware of Heart Health Risks, Skip Medication Doses
Approximately 40% of Florida residents do not recognize the dangers of alcohol consumption, tobacco usage and sleep deprivation
A new Cleveland Clinic survey found that many individuals do not know certain habits can potentially harm their heart health and increase their risk for heart disease.
While 72% of Floridians are aware that stress can negatively impact heart health, about two in five do not recognize that alcohol consumption and lack of sleep also have detrimental effects. Additional factors that may impact heart health, which Florida residents were not aware of, included:
• Tobacco Usage (39%)
• Air Pollution (65%)
• Vitamins/Supplements (89%)
“This is the first time we’ve localized Cleveland Clinic’s annual survey, in an effort to better educate our communities on the importance of maintaining a healthy heart and overall vitality,” says Jose Navia, MD, Vice-Chief, Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic in Florida. “The data speaks volumes—when nearly half of the population is unaware of how certain behaviors and habits can harm their health, it underscores the urgency for us to drive meaningful change to prevent heart disease.”
The regional survey found almost all individuals believe supplements can improve heart health (97%). While 96% of Florida residents said they currently take vitamins or supplements or have taken these in the past, of those respondents, only 48% take supplements to support heart health. Top supplements individuals currently take or have taken for heart health include vitamin D, multivitamins, and fish oil.
Interestingly, while 97% say they would be willing to take a statin or other prescribed heart medication if recommended by their doctor, 68% believe prescription medication should be a last resort when it comes to heart health.
Additionally, 84% said given the choice, they would rather take supplements than prescribed medication to improve their heart health. Many supplements may carry risks for certain individuals and can interfere with some medications. In general, scientific studies have found most supplements to not be effective in improving heart health and, in fact, studies have shown that certain supplements can have negative effects.
Findings also reveal that 3 in 5 individuals admit to skipping doses of heart medications or taking less than prescribed, such as aspirin, statins or blood pressure drugs, with many underestimating the consequences of missing doses.
“Much like any critical treatment, adhering to heart medications is crucial for managing symptoms, preventing complications, and ensuring long-term health,” says Dr. Navia. “When skipped, these medications cannot effectively prevent the progression of such heart disease or related conditions, putting overall health at significant risk.”
Commonly cited reasons for not taking their medication as prescribed include:
– Simply forgetting (62%)
– Feeling depressed or experiencing mental health issues (14%)
– Feeling healthy (10%)
– Disliking being on so many medications (10%)
– Taking too many medications to keep track (10%)
– Medication being too expensive (10%)
The survey also found that while most Floridians know whether or not heart disease runs in their family (88%), many are unaware of genetic factors that can play a role in heart health, such as lipoprotein(a). Lipoprotein(a) is a key genetic marker for heart disease risk, and lifestyle changes cannot alter its levels. For those with family history of heart disease, doctors recommend getting levels checked annually with a blood test. The survey found that 70% of individuals incorrectly believe Lp(a) levels are largely determined by lifestyle factors, and only 22% said they’ve had their Lp(a) level checked.
The survey was conducted as part of Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute’s “Love your Heart” consumer education campaign in celebration of American Heart Month in February.
For information on the national survey, visit: clevelandclinic.org/loveyourheart.
