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ACE up the sleeve - are vascular patients medically optimized?
Coveney, A P O'Brien, G C Fulton, G J
Coveney, A P
O'Brien, G C
Fulton, G J
Authors
Advisors
Editors
Other Contributors
Date
2011-03
Date Submitted
Keywords
Other Subjects
Subject Mesh
Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Cardiovascular Agents
Drug Therapy, Combination
Drug Utilization
Female
Guideline Adherence
Hospitals, University
Humans
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
Ireland
Male
Middle Aged
Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Physician's Practice Patterns
Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Prospective Studies
Referral and Consultation
Vascular Surgical Procedures
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Cardiovascular Agents
Drug Therapy, Combination
Drug Utilization
Female
Guideline Adherence
Hospitals, University
Humans
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
Ireland
Male
Middle Aged
Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Physician's Practice Patterns
Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Prospective Studies
Referral and Consultation
Vascular Surgical Procedures
Planned Date
Start Date
Collaborators
Principal Investigators
Files
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21339909.pdf
Adobe PDF, 228.21 KB
Alternative Titles
Publisher
Abstract
To examine the current medical management of arteriopathic patients attending a vascular surgical service at a university teaching hospital over a 6-month period. The prescribing of antiplatelets, statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, or angiotensin receptor blockers and beta-blockers was specifically examined. Vascular patients are often under the care of multiple specialties, and therefore the influence of different medical specialties on the patients' medical management was also examined.
Between January and June 2009, data were recorded on sequential patients with arterial disease attending the vascular surgical service. Patients' demographics, type of arterial disease, medical consultations within the previous 12 months, and current medications were recorded.
The study included 180 patients with a mean age of 69 years (39-88 years). All but 4% were taking an antiplatelet or anticoagulant, predominantly aspirin. There were 86% taking a statin, 44% taking a beta-blocker, and 51% taking an ACE inhibitor. Suboptimal prescription of ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers was evident regardless of the type of medical consultations in the previous year. No specialty group differed significantly from vascular surgeons in their prescribing pattern.
While almost all arteriopaths receive some form of antiplatelet and statin in line with clinical evidence, ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers appear to be under-prescribed in this arteriopathic population. We conclude that opportunity exists for vascular surgeons to embrace recent guidelines and lead the way in both surgical and medical optimization of arteriopathic patients through improving links with primary care physicians or taking greater responsibility themselves for the medical as well as the surgical care of their arteriopathic patients.
Between January and June 2009, data were recorded on sequential patients with arterial disease attending the vascular surgical service. Patients' demographics, type of arterial disease, medical consultations within the previous 12 months, and current medications were recorded.
The study included 180 patients with a mean age of 69 years (39-88 years). All but 4% were taking an antiplatelet or anticoagulant, predominantly aspirin. There were 86% taking a statin, 44% taking a beta-blocker, and 51% taking an ACE inhibitor. Suboptimal prescription of ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers was evident regardless of the type of medical consultations in the previous year. No specialty group differed significantly from vascular surgeons in their prescribing pattern.
While almost all arteriopaths receive some form of antiplatelet and statin in line with clinical evidence, ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers appear to be under-prescribed in this arteriopathic population. We conclude that opportunity exists for vascular surgeons to embrace recent guidelines and lead the way in both surgical and medical optimization of arteriopathic patients through improving links with primary care physicians or taking greater responsibility themselves for the medical as well as the surgical care of their arteriopathic patients.
Language
en
ISSN
1178-2048
eISSN
ISBN
DOI
10.2147/VHRM.S15484
PMID
21339909