Peripheral arterial disease: public and patient awareness in The Netherlands

To determine critical issues for future awareness programmes on peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

National Dutch survey.

A representative sample of 1294 members of the general population, and 281 patients with PAD from the Capi@home database were administered a questionnaire concerning awareness of PAD.

The response rate was 81% for the general population and 78% for patients with PAD. The familiarity with PAD terminology and symptoms amongst the general population was low. Few patients (20%) were aware that PAD was a disease of arteries. Amongst both the general population and the patient populations, PAD risk factors identification was low: hypertension (4% versus 0%); hypercholesterolaemia (9% versus 12%), diabetes (2% versus 8%), and smoking (27% versus 52%). Knowledge was moderate in both populations about treatment with exercise, but low for smoking cessation. The general population was unaware of the central role of general practitioners in the treatment of PAD.

The awareness of symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options for PAD is low. Both population and patients needed only minimal information to relate PAD to other atherosclerotic diseases. Based on the results of this survey the Dutch Platform of Peripheral Arterial Disease together with the Dutch Heart Foundation are initiating the first awareness campaign on atherosclerosis.