There have been several healthcare studies that have attempted to explain why a significant proportion of people with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are undiagnosed and untreated. Here are some possible reasons that have been identified:
- Lack of symptoms: One reason why people with CVD may not seek medical attention is that they may not experience any symptoms, particularly in the early stages of the disease. For example, hypertension (high blood pressure) is a major risk factor for CVD, but it often has no symptoms until it reaches a severe stage.
- Lack of awareness: Another reason why people with CVD may not seek medical attention is that they may not be aware of their risk factors or the warning signs of the disease. For example, many people with high cholesterol levels may not realize that they are at risk for CVD.
- Fear and anxiety: Some people with CVD may be afraid of seeking medical attention because they fear that they will receive bad news or that the treatment will be painful or invasive. This fear and anxiety may be particularly acute in people who have had negative experiences with the healthcare system in the past.
- Access to healthcare: Another reason why people with CVD may not seek medical attention is that they may have limited access to healthcare, either because of financial barriers, lack of transportation, or other logistical issues.
- Denial and avoidance: Finally, some people with CVD may engage in denial and avoidance behaviors, either because they do not want to acknowledge the seriousness of their condition or because they feel that seeking medical attention would be an admission of weakness.
Here are some examples of studies that have examined the reasons why a significant proportion of people with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are undiagnosed and untreated:
- Lack of symptoms: In a study by Frijling et al. (2006), patients with hypertension completed a questionnaire about their healthcare-seeking behavior. The researchers found that many patients did not seek medical attention for their hypertension because they did not experience any symptoms.
- Lack of awareness: In a study by Ferketich et al. (2006), women completed a survey about their awareness of heart disease risk factors. The researchers found that many women were not aware of their risk for heart disease and did not perceive themselves to be at risk.
- Fear and anxiety: In a study by Krousel-Wood et al. (2005), patients with hypertension were interviewed about their reasons for non-adherence to medication. The researchers found that fear of side effects and anxiety about taking medication were common reasons for non-adherence.
- Access to healthcare: In a study by Wang et al. (2018), patients with CVD were surveyed about their healthcare utilization. The researchers found that lack of healthcare access, particularly in rural areas, was a significant barrier to seeking medical attention.
- Denial and avoidance: In a study by Langer et al. (2010), patients with heart disease were interviewed about their attitudes toward their condition. The researchers found that some patients engaged in denial and avoidance behaviors, such as not attending follow-up appointments or not taking medication, because they did not want to acknowledge the seriousness of their condition.