EVALUATING CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH: AN EXAMINATION OF PARTICIPANTS IN THE DALLAS HEART WALK

Authors

  • Emma Roberts Associate Professor, Department of Public Health, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
  • Dr. Andrew Wilson Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Auckland, New Zealand
  • Dr. Rachel Thompson Associate Professor and Director of Social Work Program, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

Keywords:

American Heart Association, cardiovascular health, health belief theory, self-reported health behaviors, Dallas Heart Walk

Abstract

This study examines the impact of self-reported health behaviors and the health belief theory on participants in heart-healthy events, such as the Dallas Heart Walk, which supports the American Heart Association's mission to reduce cardiovascular disease and stroke. The American Heart Association developed Life's Simple 7® to assess cardiovascular health through seven metrics, including blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, diet, weight, physical activity, and smoking status. Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death in the United States, and the AHA's goal is to improve cardiovascular health and reduce deaths by 20% by 2020. The study aims to understand how participants' health beliefs and behaviors align with these goals and whether engagement in hearthealthy events influences their cardiovascular health.

Downloads

Published

2024-06-18

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 1 (2023)

Section

Articles