Does knowledge of hypercholesterolemia have an affect on behavior modifications which can impact cardiovascular disease (CVD)?

Background: Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Family history of CVD places individuals at higher risk of CVD morbidity and/or mortality. Furthermore, studies have shown that when people are aware of their family medical history they do not always reduce their risk by modifying unhealthy behaviors. Additionally research has suggested that through behavior modification healthy blood cholesterol levels may be managed with and sometimes without medication. The objective of this study was to determine if knowledge of family history of CVD has an impact on behavioral compliance among those with hypercholesterolemia. The hypothesis of the study was that family history does not have a significant impact on behavioral compliance as it relates to CVD prevention.

Methods: Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2005) was utilized. The sample population was comprised of 4,708 persons diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia. Behavioral compliance was defined as adhering to provider suggested behavior modifications. The population of subjects was ethnically diverse.

Results: The relationship between family history of CVD among those with hypercholesterolemia and behavioral compliance was not significant. The study demonstrated that 45.77% of individuals with hypercholesterolemia were adhering to behavioral compliance.

Conclusion: There is no significant relationship between family history of CVD among with hypercholesterolemia and behavioral compliance. These results perhaps highlight the lack of comprehension regarding the magnitude of CVD morbidity/mortality risk associated with a family history of CVD. These results provide an opportunity for a health education intervention in the importance of family history.