The Ifop Group’s Opinion Department, in collaboration with theICANIHU (scientific cooperation foundation), unveils the results of the2nd edition of its annual barometer on French perceptions of cardiometabolic diseases. The survey highlights the low level of knowledge among French people about these diseases, which are the2nd leading cause of death in France, and the growing need for awareness and prevention.
Prof. Stéphane HATEM, General Director of the ICAN IHU and Director of the UMR 1166 Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, reviews the main findings of this 2nd edition of the barometer
Question 1: What is French people’s general knowledge of cardiometabolic diseases?
The barometer reveals a worrying lack of knowledge: 65% of French people have never heard of cardiometabolic diseases, and of those who have, only 9% have a precise idea. These widespread pathologies often evolve silently, and are diagnosed during an acute episode of hospitalization or death. The majority of respondents believe that these diseases can be cured, even though medical management can limit their progression and consequences, they must be monitored throughout life.
Question 2: Why is prevention essential in the face of this silent epidemic?
Cardiometabolic diseases are pathologies that combine cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, obesity and fatty liver disease. They are often linked to a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet and genetic predisposition. In recent years, their sharp rise has made them the leading preventable cause of cardiovascular disease, responsible for many deaths in France. Respondents identified poor diet (78%) and lack of physical activity (68%) as the main causes of cardiometabolic disease, demonstrating an awareness of modifiable factors. However, while cardiovascular disease is a concern for 71% of participants, they seem less aware of cardiometabolic diseases such as fatty liver, which affects 18% of the population. What’s more, 57% of respondents said they had never been informed about these diseases, underlining the need to step up awareness campaigns.
Question 3: What role does IHU ICAN play in prevention?
This survey demonstrates the urgent need to improve the general public’s knowledge of cardiometabolic diseases, and therefore of the link between metabolic and cardiovascular pathologies, in a context of strong growth in their prevalence. Efforts to raise awareness and provide information therefore seem crucial for the future. Created 12 years ago, the IHU ICAN, located at the heart of the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris, is a translational research institute working to accelerate research and raise public awareness of these pathologies. In parallel with its research and care activities, the ICAN IHU has set up the1st National Cardiometabolic Diseases Week in 2024, and is organizing an exceptional symposium on November 28, 2024, dedicated to the public health challenges posed by these pathologies, in collaboration with the French National Academy of Medicine and Inserm’s thematic institute. “We’re all concerned: get informed to take care of your health! – Pr Stéphane HATEM, General Director of the ICAN IHU and Director of the UMR 1166 Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases.
