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[The status of atherosclerosis prevention in Austria]
Rudolf Schoberberger1, Peter Bayer, Michael Kunze
1Institut für Sozialmedizin, Universität Wien, Rooseveltplatz 3, 1090 Wien. rudolf.schoberberger@univie.ac.at
Insights
Physicians widely recognize atherosclerosis as a distinct illness, with over 90% initiating prevention strategies for high-risk patients. Diagnosis often involves ultrasound and assessing coronary heart disease symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Medical Practice Research
Context:
- Atherosclerosis is increasingly viewed as a distinct clinical entity.
- Limited data exists on its impact on medical practice and high-risk patient identification.
- Physician perspectives on atherosclerosis diagnosis and prevention are crucial.
Purpose:
- To investigate how physicians in Austria perceive and manage atherosclerosis.
- To assess diagnostic methods and prevention triggers for atherosclerosis.
- To evaluate physician opinions on ramipril's efficacy in atherosclerosis management.
Summary:
- A survey of 1,117 Austrian physicians revealed over 90% view atherosclerosis as a separate, treatable illness.
- Common diagnostic tools include ultrasound and coronary heart disease symptom evaluation.
- Prevention is primarily targeted at patients with existing cardiovascular events, diabetes, or related conditions.
Impact:
- The study highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to atherosclerosis prevention.
- Physicians frequently utilize ramipril, an ACE inhibitor, attributing profibrinolytic, anti-inflammatory, and plaque-stabilizing properties.
- Findings underscore the need for standardized high-risk patient identification and management protocols.
Abstract:
Although atherosclerosis is today seen as presenting a distinct clinical picture, there are almost no data available about the impact this has on medical practice and about the point at which a patient is considered high-risk. As part of a larger project on the prevention of heart disease and atherosclerosis, "Aktion plus leben", 1,117 physicians were polled in a scientific survey. The study was carried out in some 100 hospitals throughout Austria, above all in departments of internal medicine, but also in neurological departments, and in a number of other units. The results showed that in fact over 90% of those questioned see atherosclerosis as a separate, treatable illness in the context of risk prevention. The most frequent methods of diagnosis were specified as ultrasound and the clarification of symptoms of coronary heart disease. Atherosclerosis prevention is initiated above all in patients with coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction and stroke, but also very frequently in those with diabetes, peripheral vascular occlusive disease, hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Of particular interest to us was the respondents' evaluation of the effect of ramipril, the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used in the HOPE study. The majority of those questioned see a broad range of indications for this ACE inhibitor and ascribe to it a profibrinolytic, antiinflammatory and plaque-stabilising action. Although the survey sought assessment of just one particular medication as a possible treatment option, the study documents the importance of a more inclusive concept of atherosclerosis prevention.