[Analysis of the control of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with peripheral arterial disease]
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Published on: December 11, 2013
J M Ferreras Amez1, R Sanjuán Domingo, S Visiedo Sánchez
1Servicio de Urgencias, Hospital Royo Villanova, Zaragoza, España. chemaferreras@hotmail.com
Insights
Only 6% of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) achieved optimal control of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). While primary care excels in hypertension management, specialists better control LDL cholesterol and other CVRF in PAD patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects a significant patient population.
- Effective management of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) is crucial for PAD patients.
- Current CVRF control levels in PAD patients are not well-documented across diverse clinical settings.
Purpose:
- To determine the percentage of PAD patients with controlled CVRF (LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking cessation).
- To compare CVRF control rates between primary care and specialist settings.
- To identify factors associated with optimal CVRF control in PAD.
Summary:
- A multicentre study of 4087 PAD patients found suboptimal CVRF control, with only 6% achieving optimal levels across all factors.
- Blood pressure was controlled in 29.5% and LDL cholesterol in 30.4% of patients.
- Primary care showed better hypertension control, while specialists achieved better LDL-C control, particularly for diabetic patients and those with early-stage PAD.
Impact:
- Highlights significant gaps in CVRF management for PAD patients.
- Suggests a need for improved integrated care models for PAD.
- Findings indicate potential benefits of specialist involvement for optimizing CVRF control in PAD.
Introduction:
The objective was to determine the percentage of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) with good control of their cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) (LDL cholesterol, blood pressure and smoke cessation).
Material And Methods:
Cross-sectional multicentre study. The location was Primary Care and other clinics that typically treat patients with peripheral arterial disease (Internal Medicine, Vascular Surgery, Cardiology, Endocrinology and Nephrology). The first 10 patients with peripheral arterial disease were systematically selected by 440 researchers from all regions.
Results:
The study included 4087 patients. Blood pressure was controlled in 29.5% of the cases. The frequency of patients with optimal control was significantly better in primary care (p<.01). There was an optimal control of LDL-C levels in 30.4% of patients. Factors associated with optimal control of LDL-C was, being diabetic, stage I of La Fontaine, and being seen by a doctor that was not the primary care physician. Control was worse in women and in smokers.
Conclusions:
Primary care physicians better manage patients with hypertension. Patients seen in by a specialist as opposed to primary care are more likely to achieve optimal control of CVRF. The situation is far from the ideal, only 6% achieved optimal control of all CVRF.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
01:30Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
01:26Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
01:23Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management