NCT07521436

Awareness of Risk Factors and Perception of Cardiovascular Risk in Secondary Prevention Among Women and Men

Awareness of Risk Factors and Perception of Cardiovascular Risk in Secondary Prevention: A Comparison Between Women and Men

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 200 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The present research project aims to assess, through a survey, awareness of general and sex/gender-specific cardiovascular risk factors, as well as the perception of the risk of developing further cardiovascular diseases, among patients in secondary prevention.

Detailed description

Despite the well-established impact of various factors, some of which are specific to biological sex and/or gender, on the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, awareness of these factors and perception of cardiovascular risk remain insufficient in the general population. This is even more evident among women, who demonstrate limited knowledge of risk factors (including sex-specific factors such as early menopause, gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and systemic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders) and a markedly underestimated perception of cardiovascular risk, as shown in several studies conducted in primary prevention samples. To date, however, there are no available data on awareness and risk perception, among either men or women in secondary prevention, investigating the potential influence that a prior cardiovascular event may exert on perceived risk of recurrence and on knowledge of risk factors, including those specific to sex and gender. Based on assumptions derived from various Health Behavior Theories, the cognitive and emotional changes that occur following an acute event should enhance both knowledge and risk perception and, consequently, influence health-related behaviors and decision-making. However, healthcare professionals do not always observe such changes after an acute event. This shift would be particularly critical among women who, compared to men in secondary prevention, exhibit lower rates of treatment adherence and reduced participation in follow-up programs, behaviors that increase their likelihood of recurrence and contribute to poorer long-term outcomes.

Conditions

• Cardiovascular Disease

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	No intervention	There is not an intervention

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-04-10
• Primary completion: 2027-01-10
• Completion: 2027-01-10
• First posted: 2026-04-09
• Last updated: 2026-04-14