Hypertensive and Diabetic Patients’ Knowledge of Myocardial Ischemia and Stroke Symptoms in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: The level of knowledge about ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke symptoms varies between different studies. Early recognition of symptoms is crucial for timely receipt of care and to improve outcomes. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge of IHD and stroke symptoms among diabetic and hypertensive patients in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey conducted in outpatient clinics in several hospitals and primary care centers. We enrolled 339 participants who had diabetes, hypertension or both. Data were collected between October 2020 and June 2021. A score of 1 was given for each correct answer. A total score of 5 was considered excellent, between 2-4 adequate, and 1 poor. Results: Poor knowledge score of IHD symptoms showed in 24.8% of participants and 26.3% had poor knowledge score of stroke symptoms. Chest pain was recognized as the most common symptom of IHD by 31%. When facing an emergency situation, 42% responded by taking the patient to the hospital and 45% by calling the emergency phone numberA higher degree of education, higher income, and previously received information were correlated with a higher knowledge score, while history of IHD in the participants was not correlated with a better score. Conclusions: Knowledge of IHD and stroke symptoms was poor in a quarter of at-risk patients in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The history of IHD in the participants did not correlate with a better knowledge score. Our findings call for more efforts to establish and expand the awareness campaign. Keywords: Awareness, knowledge, stroke symptoms, ischemic heart disease symptoms, diabetes, hypertension.