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CT-Based Visual Atherosclerosis Education Improves Secondary Prevention Adherence: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using

Xiaomeng Hou1, Shulin Qiu1, Xiaochen Chen1

  • 1Department of Health Care, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China.

Patient Preference and Adherence
|March 20, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Visually aided atherosclerosis education improved medication adherence for middle-aged men with cardiovascular risk factors. This intervention optimized risk factor control, enhancing secondary prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Preventive Cardiology
  • Medical Education

Background:

  • Suboptimal adherence to pharmacotherapy for hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and diabetes hinders secondary prevention in middle-aged individuals.
  • Effective management of modifiable atherosclerotic risk factors is crucial for preventing cardiovascular events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of a novel visually aided atherosclerosis education intervention on medication adherence.
  • To assess the effect of computed tomography (CT)-based risk factor education on adherence to secondary prevention measures.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of 153 non-smoking males aged 45-60 years.
  • Intervention group received CT-based visualisation of atherosclerotic calcification progression and risk factor education.
  • K-means cluster analysis classified participants based on control of LDL-C, HbA1c, and SBP.

Main Results:

  • The educated group showed significantly higher rates of optimal control (53.9% vs 33.8%, p=0.012).
  • Fewer individuals in the educated group had suboptimally controlled risk factors (46.1% vs 66.2%, p=0.012).
  • Four adherence patterns were identified: Optimal Control, Suboptimal Lipid Control, Suboptimal Glycaemic Control, and Suboptimal BP Control.

Conclusions:

  • Structured, visually aided atherosclerosis education significantly enhances adherence to secondary prevention.
  • This intervention optimizes risk factor control, improving patient engagement and long-term cardiovascular outcomes.
  • Integrating this evidence-based approach into clinical practice is recommended.
Abstract

Keywords:
atherosclerosis secondary preventioncardiovascular risk factorshealth literacymedication adherencevisual health education

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