Peripheral arterial disease: screening in general practice

Haigh, Kate, Bingley, John, Golledge, Jonathan, and Walker, Philip J. (2013) Peripheral arterial disease: screening in general practice. Australian Family Physician, 42 (6). pp. 391-395.

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Abstract

Background As a manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) signifies an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Peripheral arterial disease has received less attention than other atherosclerotic diseases, leading to under-diagnosis and under-treatment. Peripheral arterial disease affects approximately 10-15% of the general population, and approximately 50% of PAD patients are asymptomatic.

Objective This article aims to review the literature on the rationale for screening for lower extremity PAD in the general practice setting, and to identify the barriers to screening for PAD experienced by general practitioners, with a focus on the Australian context.

Discussion Screening for asymptomatic PAD among high risk groups has been recommended by major PAD authorities to increase early diagnosis. Screening for PAD using the ankle-brachial index can detect asymptomatic patients. Research into the effect of cardiovascular risk reduction therapies for asymptomatic patients is lacking, and available evidence is inconclusive. The prevalence of screening and barriers to screening experienced by Australian GPs has not yet been studied. Available data on the benefits of PAD screening is inconclusive, and further research is required to determine a survival benefit with treatment of asymptomatic PAD.

Item ID: 31659
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 0300-8495
Keywords: screening, peripheral arterial disease
Funders: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Queensland Government
Date Deposited: 26 Feb 2014 10:16
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1102 Cardiovascular Medicine and Haematology > 110201 Cardiology (incl Cardiovascular Diseases) @ 60%
11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111717 Primary Health Care @ 40%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9201 Clinical Health (Organs, Diseases and Abnormal Conditions) > 920103 Cardiovascular System and Diseases @ 60%
92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920412 Preventive Medicine @ 40%
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