New CVS Health Poll Reveals That A Majority of U.S. Women Are Unaware of Their Personal Risk for Heart Disease

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Survey also found that one in three women say they have a heart condition

Pharmacists viewed as very helpful, yet underutilized, resource for managing heart health

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Jan 31, 2018, 07:00 ET

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Jan. 31, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Results from a new national poll, commissioned by CVS Health (NYSE: CVS), reveal that while American women are increasingly aware of the dangers of heart disease and recognize it as the #1 killer of women, few acknowledge their personal risk factors that contribute to heart disease. The poll was conducted as part of CVS Health's continued support of the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement that calls upon women to come together to take action in the fight against heart disease and stroke.

The poll showed that nearly all women (92%) agree heart-related conditions are a serious issue in the U.S., and a plurality (45%) identify heart disease as the leading cause of death among women versus other causes. However, this poll also showed that just 18 percent of women consider heart disease to be the greatest health problem facing Americans today and the majority of American women are unaware of their status for factors that could increase their risk of heart disease, including cholesterol levels (57%), blood sugar (58%), Body Mass Index (BMI) (61%), or waist circumference (62%).

"This data reinforces what we've known for some time – that there is still a great need for more awareness and, particularly, action when it comes to prevention of heart disease in women," said Suzanne Steinbaum, D.O., a preventive cardiologist from New York and a national Go Red For Women volunteer. "Some risk factors, like age, gender and family history are, unfortunately, out of women's control, but others – blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI – can be treated or managed. Now is the time for women to take control of their health, and knowing their numbers is a great place to start."

The results of the national survey of 1,141 adult women (18+) conducted online by Morning Consult on behalf of CVS Health in January 2018 and released to coincide with American Heart Month, also found heart-related conditions are prevalent among women in the U.S., with more than one in three women (37%) saying they have heart-related conditions such as high cholesterol, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, history of stroke or a heart defect.

According to the American Heart Association, the world's leading voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular disease and stroke, heart disease is the leading killer among women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year, or one woman every 80 seconds. Fortunately, about 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes.

The poll results reemphasize the need to increase awareness of cardiovascular disease, the importance of knowing your numbers, as well as the actions women can take to improve their overall health. Women can start by learning their personal health numbers and having a conversation with their health care professionals, including their local pharmacist.

According to the survey results, 64 percent of women say pharmacists play a role in managing heart health, but few (15%) say they have asked their pharmacist questions about heart health or about the heart medications they are taking (36%). Of those who had questions about their heart medications, 70 percent say they found their pharmacist to be very helpful.

"These survey results offer significant insights into how women across the country perceive heart disease prevalence and the importance of proactive care," said Troyen A. Brennan, M.D., M.P.H., Chief Medical Officer, CVS Health. "Together with the American Heart Association, we encourage more women to talk with their health care providers or pharmacists about their risks for heart disease and how to take actions now that will minimize future risk."

CVS Health is a national sponsor of Go Red For Women, the American Heart Association's movement that advocates for more research and swifter action for women's heart health. As part of its support, CVS Health helps to fund important life-saving cardiovascular research and provides heart healthy screenings across its MinuteClinic network of retail medical clinics.

The full set of survey results is available at www.cvshealth.com/hearthealthsurvey.

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States between January 11-14, 2018 among a sample of 1,141 adult women aged 18+ by Morning Consult on behalf of CVS Health. Results from the survey have a margin of error of ±3%.

About CVS Health

CVS Health is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Through its more than 9,700 retail locations, more than 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with nearly 90 million plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one million patients per year, expanding specialty pharmacy services, and a leading stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, the company enables people, businesses and communities to manage health in more affordable and effective ways. This unique integrated model increases access to quality care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health at https://www.cvshealth.com.

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SOURCE CVS Health