Reducing Cardiovascular Risk in Women With Lupus Perception of Risk and Predictors of Risk-Reducing Behaviors

    Authors

    P. K. Weinstein; A. Amirkhosravi; T. J. Angelopoulos; A. Bushy; M. M. Covelli;K. E. Dennis

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Cardiovasc. Nurs.

    Keywords

    awareness; heart disease; risk factor; systemic lupus erythematosus; CORONARY-ARTERY-DISEASE; AMERICAN-HEART-ASSOCIATION; C-REACTIVE PROTEIN; OF-SPORTS-MEDICINE; PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY; ERYTHEMATOSUS PATIENTS; INSULIN-RESISTANCE; PUBLIC-HEALTH; ATHEROSCLEROSIS; PREVENTION; Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems; Nursing

    Abstract

    Background: Women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) display a 7- to 10-fold increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared with non-SLE controls, yet many are unaware of this risk despite years spent in the healthcare system. It is not clear why they lack awareness of increased CVD risk or which factors influence awareness. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess in women with SLE their perceived CVD risk, the association between clinically identified and perceived CVD risk factors, and factors that influenced CVD risk awareness and adoption of risk-reducing behaviors. Methods: Questionnaires, face-to-face meetings, and clinical assessments were used to collect data on demographics, perceived CVD risk, perceived CVD risk factors, actual CVD risk factors, risk-reducing behaviors, and healthcare provider counseling from 60 women with SLE. Regression analyses identified factors that influenced risk awareness and adoption of risk-reducing behaviors. Results: Two-thirds of the participants perceived themselves at increased CVD risk when compared with women without SLE, but the same number did not perceive an increase in their absolute CVD risk. Age was a significant predictor (P = .05) for awareness of increased absolute risk; younger age correlated with increased awareness. Most women received information about heart disease from public media. On average, participants had 4 CVD risk factors but perceived that they had only 2. Age (P = .001) and the number of perceived risk factors (P = .004) predicted adoption of risk-reducing behaviors (P = .03). Conclusion: Participants underestimated their CVD risk factors and did not personalize their increased CVD risk. Healthcare providers' identification and discussion of CVD risk factors in women with SLE may enhance their CVD risk awareness and the adoption of risk-reducing behaviors.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing

    Volume

    29

    Issue/Number

    2

    Publication Date

    1-1-2014

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    130

    Last Page

    139

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000331648700006

    ISSN

    0889-4655

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