Abstract
Background: Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) survivors are at a risk of recurrent strokes, and early correct response to stroke is crucial to promote access to effective reperfusion therapy. This study aimed to investigate whether there is an association between increased risk factors and the intent to call emergency medical services (EMS) among CVD survivors.
Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted from January 2017 to May 2017, including 187 723 adults (age ≥ 40 years) across 69 administrative areas in China. A CVD survivor population of 6290 was analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify the association between the number of modifiable risk factors and stroke recognition and EMS calling, respectively.
Results: The estimated stroke recognition rate in CVD survivors with 0, 1-2, and 3-7 modifiable risk factors was 84.7% (321/379), 84.4% (2346/2780), and 85.6% (2673/3123), respectively. The rate of calling EMS in the 0, 1-2, and 3-7 modifiable risk factor groups was 66.0% (250/379), 62.7% (1744/2780), and 67.8% (2117/3123), respectively. The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases was higher among CVD survivors than the non-CVD population. The CVD survivors’ knowledge of recognizing stroke and intent to call EMS did not improve with an increasing number of modifiable risk factors, even after adjustment for multiple sociodemographic factors.
Conclusions: Despite being at a higher risk of recurrent stroke, Chinese CVD survivors showed poor knowledge of stroke, and their intent to call EMS did not improve with stroke risk. Special, targeted, and enhanced secondary stroke prevention education is needed for CVD survivors.
A prospective study of risk factors for cardiovascular events among the elderly
