(P100) ASSESSING AWARENESS OF WOMEN'S CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH AMONG CANADIAN HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS AND THE GENERAL POPULATION

Background: Despite advancements in the understanding and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD), there remain significant disparities in awareness, particularly regarding women’s cardiovascular (CV) health. This investigation aimed to evaluate of women’s CV health among Canadian healthcare providers and the general population to identify knowledge gaps and inform future educational initiatives.

METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted an online quiz to assess women's CV health knowledge. Developed from a review of existing literature, the quiz included 70 multiple-choice and true/false questions. These questions assessed a broad spectrum of topics, including general awareness of women’s CV health, gender-related risk factors, differences in disease presentation, and understanding the implications of physiological and sociocultural factors. The quiz was disseminated nationally through social media from February 2021 to November 2022, targeting a diverse demographic, including the general population (including individuals interested in women's health, those with personal experience with heart disease, and others) and healthcare providers in Canada. Participant responses were automatically scored, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze knowledge levels, completion rates, and demographic patterns. A total of 847 individuals participated, with 197 individuals completing the quiz (23% completion rate). Among those who completed it, 23% were healthcare providers and 77% were from the general population. Despite 68% of the general population reporting limited knowledge of women’s CV health, 85% accurately identified CVD as the leading cause of death among Canadian women, with 84% aware of the potential CV risks related to hormonal replacement and pregnancy. Furthermore, 74% of general population participants linked breast cancer with CV risks, though only 47% recognized shared risk factors such as alcohol and tobacco use. Similarly, 62% of healthcare providers felt underinformed, yet over 90% correctly answered questions about sex-specific risk factors and psychological impacts, despite knowledge gaps in areas like myocardial infarction and non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) and spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). Both the general population and healthcare providers were aware of the greater CV risks facing South Asian, Afro-Caribbean, and Indigenous women, acknowledged by 70% of the general population and 69% of healthcare providers.

Conclusion: This study reveals notable advancements in the awareness of women's CV health compared to the early 2000s yet underscores critical knowledge gaps, particularly among healthcare professionals, regarding conditions like MINOCA and SCAD. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational initiatives and curriculum enhancements to equip healthcare providers with comprehensive knowledge and skills for better diagnosis and treatment of CV conditions in women.