Authors: A. Hudáčková 1; L. Šedová 1; S. Bártlová 1; L. Havierniková 1; V. Stasková 1; V. Kurfirst 2 Authors‘ workplace: Zdravotně sociální fakulta Jihočeské univerzity Ústav ošetřovatelství, porodní asistence a neodkladné péče Ředitelka: prof. PhDr. Valérie Tóthová, Ph. D., d. h. c. 1; Nemocnice České Budějovice a. s. Oddělení kardiochirurgie, hrudní chirurgie a cévní chirurgie Ředitel: MUDr. Michal Šnorek 2 Published in: Prakt. Lék. 2025; 106(5-6): 205-214 Category: Of different specialties
Introduction: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) represents one of the major public health challenges of the present era, with its global prevalence continuing to rise. Smoking and psychological stress are among the key modifiable risk factors, acting synergistically to exacerbate cardiovascular health outcomes. Effective prevention requires a comprehensive approach, encompassing smoking cessation, stress management, promotion of a healthy lifestyle, and implementation of public health interventions.
Methods: A representative sociological survey was conducted among the general Czech population aged 40–64 years. Data collection employed a combination of two instruments: a non-standardized questionnaire focused on the prevention of stable ischemic heart disease and the standardized Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLSQ-16) to assess overall health literacy. Data were collected via field research using the method of standardized, face-to-face interviews between trained interviewers and respondents, conducted from March 11 to March 26, 2024. A total of 1,391 respondents consented to participate (response rate: 92.2%), including 700 men and 691 women.
Results: Respondents demonstrated awareness of the relationship between smoking, stress, and the development of IHD, and recognized the importance of preventive measures. Men reported being more frequently informed about the harmful effects of smoking, whereas women valued this information more highly. Women also reported higher levels of stress and nervousness but simultaneously exhibited greater confidence in their ability to manage personal problems. Younger participants experienced more stress, while older respondents reported higher levels of anger in response to uncontrollable situations. Significant differences were also observed based on educational attainment, highlighting the need for targeted educational strategies.
Discussion and Conclusion: The findings of our study confirm that education regarding the risks of smoking and stress is unevenly distributed across gender and educational groups. Preventive efforts appear to be particularly underestimated among women, especially younger ones, consistent with international evidence. While higher education facilitates access to information, it does not always guarantee its practical application. Educational interventions must therefore be individualized and tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Nurses play a critical role in patient education due to their close contact and established trust with patients. Motivational interviewing, group and individual interventions, and the integration of modern technologies have proven to be effective tools in preventive care.
prevention – myocardial infarction – smoking – stress – ischemic heart disease
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