Awareness among the general public about the risk factors of heart attack and stroke, and the actions to be taken

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the most common diseases that lead to death. Awareness of the symptoms of CVDs and the resulting complications remains below the required levels. This study aims to understand and measure the level of awareness and attitudes among the general public regarding the risks and symptoms of heart attacks and strokes. Methodology: This was an online cross-sectional survey conducted in Saudi Arabia between April and May 2025. A previously validated questionnaire was utilized in this research to examine awareness and actions taken around symptoms and risk factors of heart attack and stroke among patients with CVDs in Saudi Arabia. The influencing factors for heart attack and stroke knowledge were identified using logistic regression. Results: A total of 404 participants were included in the study. The majority of participants (n =371, 91.8%) had heard about heart attacks, and just over half (n =209, 57.2%) had received information related to heart attacks. Most participants (n = 358, 88.6%) had heard of strokes, though only 34.4% (n = 139) knew someone who had experienced one. Individuals aged 20-30 years had significantly higher odds of having a higher stroke knowledge score compared to those under 20 (Odds ratio (OR) = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.03–4.44, P = 0.042). Males showed a slightly lower likelihood of having heart attack knowledge compared to females (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.39–1.00, P = 0.05). Higher educational levels, especially PhDs, were strongly associated with higher stroke knowledge scores (OR = 13.13, 95% CI: 1.81–95.26, P = 0.011). Conclusion: Although participants were typically aware of heart attacks and strokes, their personal exposure and detailed knowledge varied. Younger adults (20–30 years) exhibited substantially superior stroke knowledge in comparison to those under the age of 20. Males exhibited marginally lower levels of awareness about heart attacks than females. Notably, there was a significant correlation between higher educational attainment, particularly at the PhD level, and better stroke knowledge. Abbreviation: AHA: American Heart Association. CVD: Cardiovascular diseases, Keywords: Awareness; Cardiovascular diseases; Heart attack; Knowledge; Population; Questionnaire; Stroke; Citation: Alnemer KA, Hejazi AT, Hejazi FT, Almutairi FH. Awareness among the general public about the risk factors of heart attack and stroke, and the actions to be taken. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2025;29(6):505-512. DOI: 10.35975/apic.v29i6.2899 Received: May 09, 2024; Revised: October 26, 2024; Accepted: January 01, 2025