Prevalence and self-reported medical history of overweight in a cardiac stress testing population

To determine the prevalence of overweight in a cardiac stress testing population, and the percentage of subjects who indicate a history of overweight.

A total of 251 consecutive subjects presenting for cardiac stress testing in a 450-bed community hospital from June to September 2010 were asked to complete a survey booklet. The survey included all patients presenting for stress testing, regardless of indication. Participants were subjects, ages 18 or older, and male or female. Exclusion criteria were medical (eg, pain), psychiatric (eg, psychosis), or intellectual disturbances that would preclude the successful completion of a survey booklet.

Of the 251 participants 76.5% were overweight (BMI ≥ 25). Among the overweight participants, only 16.1% indicated a history of overweight.

A high prevalence of overweight/obese individuals exists in a cardiac stress test population. A majority of overweight and obese patients did not indicate a history of overweight. These results indicate poor patient recognition and/or ineffective physician-to-patient education concerning unhealthy body weight. Greater and more effective efforts are needed to effectively educate patients about this modifiable risk factor for a myriad of health problems.