Awareness of Modifiable Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Primary Preventive Practices Among the General Population in Makkah City: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide and account for about 42% of deaths in Saudi Arabia. CVDs is strongly influenced by modifiable risk factors, including smoking, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diets. However, awareness of these risk factors among the Saudi population remains suboptimal. Objectives: This study aims to assess knowledge, awareness, prevalence of modifiable CVD risk factors, and primary prevention practices among the general population in Makkah. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and May 2025 among the general population of Makkah city. Data was collected using an online validated questionnaire targeted residents >18 years via social media.  Results The study included 623 participants, predominantly males (54.7%) aged 40–59 years (52.5%). Most participants (87.3%) demonstrated good knowledge of modifiable CVD risk factors, with high recognition of hypertension (95.7%) and hypercholesterolemia (94.1%), but lower awareness of diabetes (67.3%). While many reported healthy practices such as daily physical activity (62.1%) and adequate sleep (77.7%), over half did not regularly monitor blood glucose or blood pressure. Good knowledge was significantly associated with gender and income and correlated with healthier lifestyle behaviors. Conclusion Although participants showed overall good knowledge of modifiable CVD risk factors, important gaps remained, particularly regarding diabetes, inadequate sleep, and high salt intake. Most correctly identified major risk factors such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, smoking, and unhealthy diet. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions to address knowledge gaps and strengthen CVD prevention and risk reduction. Keywords: Cardiovascular Disease , Primary Prevention , Health Knowledge , General Population , Makkah City