The status of atherosclerosis prevention in Austria

Abstract

Although atherosclerosis is today seen as presenting a distinct clinical picture, there are almost no data available about the impact this has on medical practice and about the point at which a patient is considered high-risk. As part of a larger project on the prevention of heart disease and atherosclerosis, "Aktion plus leben", 1,117 physicians were polled in a scientific survey. The study was carried out in some 100 hospitals throughout Austria, above all in departments of internal medicine, but also in neurological departments, and in a number of other units. The results showed that in fact over 90% of those questioned see atherosclerosis as a separate, treatable illness in the context of risk prevention. The most frequent methods of diagnosis were specified as ultrasound and the clarification of symptoms of coronary heart disease. Atherosclerosis prevention is initiated above all in patients with coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction and stroke, but also very frequently in those with diabetes, peripheral vascular occlusive disease, hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Of particular interest to us was the respondents' evaluation of the effect of ramipril, the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used in the HOPE study. The majority of those questioned see a broad range of indications for this ACE inhibitor and ascribe to it a profibrinolytic, antiinflammatory and plaque-stabilising action. Although the survey sought assessment of just one particular medication as a possible treatment option, the study documents the importance of a more inclusive concept of atherosclerosis prevention.