Amgen Launches Cardiovascular Risk Awareness Project

AMGEN's 'Together We Are Strong' campaign encourages proactive steps on cardiovascular risk in women. A survey answered by women over 30 years old identifies gaps in cardiovascular risk and screening awareness. Women are invited to visit www.birliktegucluyuz.info to access information and educational tools that will raise awareness about heart health for themselves and other women in their lives. Amgen Turkey has launched the second phase of the 'Together We Are Strong' campaign, which sheds light on some of the most important women's health issues. Women rely heavily on health information obtained from family members and friends, making relatives and friends important players in enabling women to take action as a primary source of information. The campaign aims to facilitate these discussions, improve them, and provide easily understood health information and tools so that women can become stronger together in their journey towards healthier lives. Heart disease, a leading cause of death worldwide, is insufficiently detected and treated. Furthermore, data from one year after the COVID-19 pandemic shows that women delayed screenings due to fear of the virus, and deaths from heart disease increased. This campaign, focused on reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases, is in a critical position to stop potential health crises resulting from neglected screening and similar services.

Güldem Berkman, General Director of Amgen Turkey and Gensenta:

"Every year, millions of people around the world unfortunately cannot enjoy life as before due to a cardiovascular event that changes their lives. Turkey has one of the highest death rates from cardiovascular disease in Europe, and the highest overall mortality rate is seen in Turkish women. Poorly managed chronic diseases lead to serious health problems. In order to prevent significant health problems that will arise if necessary measures are not taken, we want women to monitor their own health well, consult experts when needed, seek help, and also set an example for women around them," he said. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 17.9 million people die from cardiovascular disease each year, accounting for one-third of all deaths worldwide. Many rare diseases contributing to cardiovascular disease deaths, such as familial hypercholesterolaemia, peripartum cardiomyopathy, and pulmonary hypertension, have a fairly high prevalence in Turkey.

Dr. Aylin Löle, founder of Awen For Us:

"I believe that helping women be more open about their cardiovascular health will create benefits and inspire them to discuss this issue with other women around them. I also think it will trigger a transformation in the long term regarding the importance of early detection. At a time when public health is seriously affecting our lives, we are proud to support the 'Together We Are Strong' campaign by promoting this change," she said. Serious cardiac events such as heart attacks and strokes can result in people with physical and cognitive changes, and can change the lives of both those suffering from this condition and their loved ones. After a heart attack, people often experience fatigue and depression and may have difficulty participating in physical activities. In this sense, lowering LDL is one of the most important factors in reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. In a survey of 301 Turkish women, it was found that women are generally aware of the frequency and impact of recurrence of cardiovascular disease, but are less inclined to take proactive steps to reduce risk factors.

Findings of the 'Together We Are Strong' Women's Health Survey

Heart health is the number one concern among surveyed women in Turkey and across all age groups.8 Although most Turkish women have not experienced a cardiac event, approximately two-thirds (69%)8 say that heart health is their primary concern, and 74% say they are particularly worried about heart disease. Although half of Turkish women have a family history of heart disease,8 only 24% bring up health issues in conversations with their families. Women generally trust their doctors (79%) rather than their families (19%). Although women are willing to talk to their doctors about heart health, fewer than half (46%) bring up heart disease. The reasons are usually that women do not have enough knowledge about heart disease to discuss it with their doctors (15%), do not have enough concern about it (15%), or their doctors do not bring up the topic (16%). Instead, one in three women visit health websites (35%) to research heart disease topics. Although women are more likely to have heart disease screening done, one in six (15%) is unaware of these screenings. However, 93% of women are more likely to have heart disease screening done based on a relative or friend's recommendation. Women use their social circles to talk about their general health and wellness status. Women aged 40 and over typically have a social circle that includes those who have experienced heart disease or a cardiac event. Women do not usually (54%) talk with those in their social circles about maintaining health and an active lifestyle.