Knowledge and perception of cardiovascular disease risk in women of reproductive age

•Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in American women, but general knowledge and perception of risk in this population remains poor.•In this cross-sectional study of young women, significant gaps in knowledge and perception of CVD risk in individuals who have experienced an APO were identified along with general knowledge deficits related to pregnancy-related risk factors and CVD risk in young women.•These findings provide primary data to support the need for development and delivery of educational content on CVD risk to young women, particularly during the peripartum period.