Behavioral, Clinical, and Coronary Artery Calcium Screening for Prevention and Treatment of Subclinical Atherosclerosis: Implications for Health Education
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| Title: | Behavioral, Clinical, and Coronary Artery Calcium Screening for Prevention and Treatment of Subclinical Atherosclerosis: Implications for Health Education |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Jeffery J. Fine, Robert F. Valois (ORCID |
| Source: | American Journal of Health Education. 2025 56(4):329-355. |
| Availability: | Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 27 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Screening Tests, Heart Disorders, Diseases, Correlation, At Risk Persons, Health Behavior, Age Differences, Racial Differences, Marital Status, Employment Level, Hypertension, Diabetes, Sleep, Smoking, Drinking, Eating Habits, Physical Activity Level, Mental Health, Stress Variables, Personality Traits |
| DOI: | 10.1080/19325037.2024.2390400 |
| ISSN: | 1932-5037 2168-3751 |
| Abstract: | Background: In the USA, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women and men. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. Purpose: To investigate the association between behavioral and non-behavioral risk factors associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods: Patients referred for a CT angiography completed a demographic/behavioral questionnaire and medical history interview for CAD risk factors. Risk factor data were correlated with CAD subclinical atherosclerosis scores for 521 participants. Results: Frequency among four levels of CAD revealed: no disease 38%, mild atherosclerotic 20%, moderate atherosclerotic 30%, and severe atherosclerosis 12%. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) demographic variables were as follows: age, race, marital status, and employment status. Significant predictive behavioral variables were as follows: tobacco use, daily water intake, sodium consumption, exercise days per week, and junk food consumption. Risk factors significantly associated with subclinical CAD included hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, and abnormal coronary calcium score. Discussion: Multi-slice CT angiography allows early reliable evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis and correlation with behavioral/non-behavioral risk factors with level of CAD, instrumental to primary and secondary CAD prevention, limiting tertiary CAD treatment. Translation to Health Education Practice: Study results have implications for Health Educators with regard to intervention research planning, implementation, and evaluation. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1506983 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background: In the USA, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women and men. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. Purpose: To investigate the association between behavioral and non-behavioral risk factors associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods: Patients referred for a CT angiography completed a demographic/behavioral questionnaire and medical history interview for CAD risk factors. Risk factor data were correlated with CAD subclinical atherosclerosis scores for 521 participants. Results: Frequency among four levels of CAD revealed: no disease 38%, mild atherosclerotic 20%, moderate atherosclerotic 30%, and severe atherosclerosis 12%. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) demographic variables were as follows: age, race, marital status, and employment status. Significant predictive behavioral variables were as follows: tobacco use, daily water intake, sodium consumption, exercise days per week, and junk food consumption. Risk factors significantly associated with subclinical CAD included hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, and abnormal coronary calcium score. Discussion: Multi-slice CT angiography allows early reliable evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis and correlation with behavioral/non-behavioral risk factors with level of CAD, instrumental to primary and secondary CAD prevention, limiting tertiary CAD treatment. Translation to Health Education Practice: Study results have implications for Health Educators with regard to intervention research planning, implementation, and evaluation. |
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| ISSN: | 1932-5037 2168-3751 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/19325037.2024.2390400 |
