Understanding and perceptions of heart disease and stroke

Monday 2 August 2004

In June 2004 the Agency commissioned some research as it wished to develop a deeper understanding of public perceptions of heart disease and stroke and the factors that trigger these conditions (including salt).

Key objectives for the research were:

• to explore general understanding and perceptions of heart disease and stroke; in particular, to assess understanding of:
  • causes or contributing factors of these conditions
  • the hierarchy of risk factors and how serious the risk is felt to be
  • who is considered to be most at risk
  • the steps that can be taken to reduce risk

• to explore the perceived role of salt as a contributing cause of these conditions; in particular to understand appreciation of the following aspects:
  • the role of salt in causing high blood pressure and perceptions of high blood pressure as a factor in heart disease and stroke
  • the importance ascribed to salt as a risk factor for heart disease and stroke
  • estimates of how much salt is currently consumed
  • awareness of how to reduce salt intake

• broadly, to understand levels of receptivity to health messages and motivation to act in response to health messages