Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2025
An Acupoint Catgut-embedding Therapy for Treating Obesity
Published on: April 4, 2025
Patient and Cardiologist Perspectives on the Treatment of Patients With Concomitant ASCVD and Obesity
Pam Taub1, Michael G Knight2, Delilah McCarty3
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
Insights
Patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and obesity often experience poor communication from healthcare providers (HCPs) about weight management. Improved HCP training on obesity and communication strategies is crucial for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and obesity are significant global health challenges.
- Effective management requires understanding patient, caregiver, and healthcare professional (HCP) perspectives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the patient journey and experiences of individuals with ASCVD and obesity, their caregivers, and managing HCPs.
- To identify barriers and facilitators for optimizing treatment outcomes in this population.
Main Methods:
- Mixed-methods study involving online surveys and 1:1 interviews with patients (N=61), caregivers (N=12), and HCPs (N=24).
- Quantitative online survey administered to cardiology HCPs (N=120).
- Data collected on patient-HCP communication, risk factor perception, and treatment recommendations.
Main Results:
- Patients reported limited HCP communication regarding the link between obesity and cardiovascular health before ASCVD events.
- Cardiology HCPs ranked obesity as a lower priority for monitoring and showed hesitancy in prescribing anti-obesity medications.
- Only 12% of HCPs recommended weight management medication.
Conclusions:
- There is a need for enhanced HCP education on obesity management and available pharmacotherapies.
- Training HCPs in communication strategies to involve patients in treatment decisions is essential.
- Optimizing care for patients with ASCVD and obesity requires addressing communication gaps and treatment hesitancy.
Abstract:
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and obesity pose challenges to patients, healthcare professionals (HCPs), and health systems. The aim of this study was to understand the journey of patients with ASCVD and obesity, their caregivers, and managing HCPs to optimize treatment outcomes. Patients with ASCVD and body mass index ≥ 27 kg/m2 (N = 61), their caregivers (N = 12), and HCPs (N = 24) were given an online survey and participated in 1:1 interviews. Cardiology HCPs (N = 120) were given a quantitative online survey. Despite the presence of risk factors, patients described little communication or urgency from their HCPs regarding the link between obesity and cardiovascular health prior to an ASCVD event. Cardiology HCPs ranked obesity as only the fourth most important parameter to monitor pre- and post-ASCVD event but were hesitant to prescribe antiobesity medications pre- and post-ASCVD despite new treatment options. In fact, only 12% recommended medication for weight management. Comprehensive HCP training on weight management and medication options as well as training on strategies to communicate these options to patients and involve them in their own treatment decisions may improve patient experiences and lead to improved health outcomes in patients with obesity and ASCVD.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:29Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
01:24Obesity
01:26Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
01:17Ischemic Heart Disease: Overview
Atherosclerosis, the primary malefactor, orchestrates this dangerous condition. It manifests as the accumulation of fatty deposits, akin to insidious plaques, within arterial walls. As time elapses, these plaques metamorphose, hardening and...