gender, education level, history of angina, history of myocardial infarction, history of angioplasty, previous coronary artery bypass surgery, diabetes, current smoking status, hypercholesterolaemia and hypertension. Those who perceived themselves to be at higher risk of a future event were more likely to be female (p<0.001), have a higher education level (p¼0.02), aged between 44 and 59 (p¼0.02) and have a previous history of percutaneous coronary angioplasty (p¼0.003).

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... Despite the fact that the entire study sample were diagnosed with ACS, approximately one in five (20%) perceived that they were less likely than other people of the same age to experience a heart attack in the future. These findings highlight the need for specific and targeted education of both men and women in Ireland with respect to the risks for heart disease and heart attacks.