Accuracy of Risk Perception and Evaluation of Risk Communication in Patients with Cadiovascular Risk Factors.

This study investigated accuracy of risk perception in a population with CVD risk factors (hypertension or hypercholesterolaemia) and assessed whether risk perception would become more accurate after receiving personalised risk information. In addition, the impact of risk perception on medication adherence was studied. A prospective, repeated measures design was used, recruiting patients attending their first appointment at a hypertension or lipid clinic. 12 participants completed baseline questionnaires and seven participants received personalised risk information about their risk of having a myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke (based on Framingham risk data) after which they completed a second set of questionnaires. The main outcome measure was absolute and relative risk perception of having a MI or stroke, compared with actual risk score. Results showed that most participants overestimated their absolute and relative risk of having a MI or stroke in the next 10 years at baseline. Risk perception shifted towards greater accuracy following risk information in participants who overestimated their risk, although they still tended to overestimate it. No conclusions could be drawn about participants who underestimated their risk due to limited data. Due to the small sample size it can only be tentatively concluded that personalised risk information can be an aid in terms of correcting inaccurate risk perceptions. In addition, more research is needed to explain why overestimated risk perceptions were reduced but not abandoned