CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH LITERACY AND RECOGNITION OF RISK FACTORS AMONG NON-MEDICAL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN LAHORE

Background: Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of global morbidity and premature mortality, with increasing involvement of younger adults in Pakistan. Despite this trend, limited evidence exists regarding the level of cardiovascular awareness among non-medical university students, a group representing a large proportion of the young adult population. This study assessed their understanding of cardiovascular disease, associated risk factors, and recognition of early warning symptoms. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional survey was conducted among two hundred non-medical university students in Lahore. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire designed to assess knowledge of cardiovascular disease types, major risk factors, and symptoms of myocardial infarction and stroke. Results: Knowledge levels varied across different domains. Nearly half of the participants were unable to identify a single cardiovascular condition, although commonly known heart attack symptoms such as chest pain were frequently recognized. Awareness of atypical myocardial infarction symptoms and stroke warning signs was comparatively low. Students demonstrated better understanding of lifestyle related risk factors including smoking, unhealthy diet, stress, and high cholesterol, whereas physical inactivity and diabetes were less frequently identified. Conclusions: The study highlights important gaps in cardiovascular knowledge among non medical university students, particularly in symptom recognition. Strengthening structured cardiovascular education within universities and expanding community based preventive services may help improve awareness and support earlier response to cardiovascular risk among young adults. Peer Review History: Received 2 October 2025; Reviewed 11 November 2025; Accepted 13 December; Available online 15 January 2026 Academic Editor: Dr. Amany Mohamed Alboghdadly, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, amanyalboghdadly@gmail.com Reviewers: Dr. Sheikh Abdul Khaliq, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan, drwadhsheikh1974@gmail.com Dr. Taiwo O Elufioye, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, toonitaiwo@yahoo.com