Public Knowledge of Cardiovascular Risk Numbers: Contextual Factors Affecting Knowledge and Health Behavior, and the Impact of Public Health Campaigns

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality globally. A critical component of American Heart Association (AHA) efforts to reduce cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality involves enhancing the public's knowledge and management of modifiable risk factors. Studies have been mixed with regard to the knowledge of personal and target levels in the general community for key cardiovascular indicators. The present chapter is a review of the recent literature (2005–17) on adults' knowledge/awareness for personal and target levels of four key cardiovascular metrics identified by AHA (blood pressure, lipids, body mass, and glucose) and relationships of knowledge to health behaviors. We also address some of the potential determinants of knowledge that have been suggested (i.e., race/ethnicity and level of risk). In addition, we review the current literature on the effectiveness of interventions for enhancing knowledge/awareness.