Suboptimal intensity of risk factor modification in PAD.
This study extends earlier trials indicating that atherosclerosis risk factors are underdetected and undertreated in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients. Recognition and treatment of hyperlipidemia and hypertension in PAD patients is suboptimal. Diabetes appears to be detected more frequently although glycemic control is still suboptimal. The use of antiplatelet therapy is particularly underutilized. Additionally, despite the demonstrated efficacy of regular exercise in PAD patients, almost half of the study sample was sedentary. Approximately one third of the current study sample was overweight and nearly one third was obese by ATP-III guidelines. Only 31% of subjects were taking dietary measures to improve their cardiovascular health, and even fewer were physically active. To rectify suboptimal management of risk factors, there is a need for increased public awareness of PAD, reimbursement and implementation of screening programs and more aggressive treatment. Future studies are needed to examine innovative interventions for identification and management of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with PAD.
Oka
Roberta K
RK
University of California at San Francisco, Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, 2 Koret Way, Room 505L, Box 0608, San Francisco, CA 94143-0608, USA. roberta.oka@nursing.ucsf.edu
Umoh
Eva
E
Szuba
Andrzej
A
Giacomini
John C
JC
Cooke
John P
JP
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015994:Incidence; D007383:Intermittent Claudication / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000925:Anticoagulants; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents