Perception and reality: assessing the accuracy of self-assessed dysphonia and dysphagia risk in people with cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a chronic condition influenced by aging and lifestyle, and its effects extend to systems involved in voice and swallowing. Age-related changes in these functions are common, and when worsened by CVD, they can lead to isolation, malnutrition, and complications such as aspiration pneumonia. This study investigated how individuals with CVD perceive their risk of dysphonia and dysphagia compared with clinician-administered screening-based assessments.

METHODS

Seventy-three participants (mean age 65.2 years; 86.3% male) completed structured screening tools and self-report questionnaires. Dysphonia was evaluated using the GIRBAS scale and Voice Handicap Index-30, while dysphagia was assessed with the Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire and Eating Assessment Tool-10. Spearman correlation analyses examined associations between perceived and assessed scores, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests compared their differences.

RESULTS

There was a moderate to strong correlation for dysphonia (ρ = 0.68, p < 0.01), with participants tending to overestimate voice problems. For dysphagia, correlation was moderate (ρ = 0.52, p < 0.01), and significant underestimation of swallowing difficulties was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine monitoring of voice and swallowing should be included in prevention and rehabilitation programs for individuals with CVD. Increasing public awareness may support earlier detection and reduce related complications.