Knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Lifestyle Behaviors among Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: A...

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, largely driven by modifiable cardiometabolic risk factors. Adults with metabolic syndrome represent a particularly high cardiometabolic risk group in whom preventive strategies are crucial; however, their level of knowledge regarding cardiovascular disease, its risk factors, and related lifestyle behaviours remains insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors among adults with metabolic syndrome and examine their associations with lifestyle behaviors and metabolic control.

METHODS: In this single-center cross-sectional study, 350 adults with metabolic syndrome diagnosed according to Adult Treatment Panel III criteria were evaluated. Cardiovascular knowledge was assessed using the validated Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Knowledge Level scale. Lifestyle behaviors, anthropometric measurements, laboratory parameters, and medication use were recorded. Associations between Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Knowledge Level scores and patient characteristics, lifestyle behaviours, and metabolic control were examined.

RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 45.7±11.5 years, and 72% were women. The mean total Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Knowledge Level score was 21±3, with 42% of participants demonstrating high knowledge levels (≥80% correct responses). Despite this, adherence to lifestyle recommendations was suboptimal, with only 6% reporting regular physical activity and 26% adhering to dietary recommendations. Notably, only 9% of participants were aware of their metabolic syndrome diagnosis. Higher knowledge scores were associated with higher educational level, better dietary adherence, and lipid-lowering therapy use (p<0.05), as well as lower rates of smoking and alcohol consumption. However, no significant associations were observed with physical activity or weight-related measures.

CONCLUSIONS: Although adults with metabolic syndrome demonstrated the moderate to high awareness of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors, this knowledge did not consistently translate into healthier lifestyle behaviors. Prevention strategies targeting high cardiometabolic-risk populations should extend beyond information dissemination and incorporate behavioral and motivational components to improve cardiovascular outcomes.