Peripheral artery disease: a marked lack of awareness in Ireland

Patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) have a 30% risk of death within 5 years. However, public awareness of vascular disease has been shown to be low. The aim of this study was to assess awareness regarding risk factors, significance and potential sequelae of PAD in an Irish population.

A cross-sectional, anonymous survey of patients and members of the public.

An anonymous questionnaire was developed to collect details on basic demographics, presence of and treatment for risk factors for cardiovascular disease, awareness of PAD and its risk factors and sequelae. The local ethics committee granted ethical approval.

Two investigators in face-to-face interviews administered the survey with patients and members of the general public, older than 40 years of age, attending a range of outpatient clinics, day care services and in patients.

A total of 336 questionnaires were administered. A post-secondary school course had been completed by 32% of respondents. Only 19% of patients reported familiarity with PAD, a figure considerably lower than those reporting familiarity with stroke (94%), coronary artery disease (78%) or diabetes (98%) (Chi Squared p<0.001). The only independent predictor of awareness of PAD was having a post-secondary school course with an odds ratio or 4.2.

This study demonstrates a disturbing lack of awareness of PAD and highlight the need for a meaningful targeted public health awareness campaign on PAD in order to close the gap of knowledge in Irish patients, prior to any prevention campaign.