Understanding the best practice for preventing cardiovascular complications in patients with common vascular diseases

A2002436

Vascular disease is characterised by inflammation, weakness, and the build-up of fatty deposits within blood vessels throughout the body. This condition increases the risk of blood vessels becoming blocked, potentially leading to heart attacks and strokes.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are two common forms of vascular disease. AAA involves the enlargement of the main blood vessel in the abdomen, which can lead to catastrophic rupture. However, most people with AAA die from other cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. PAD occurs when the arteries in the legs become narrowed and occluded, causing exercise-induced leg pain, debilitating pain at rest, ulcerations, and a risk of amputation. Patients with PAD are also highly susceptible to heart attacks and strokes.

To reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, evidence-based guidelines recommend that patients with PAD and AAA be prescribed medications to lower cholesterol (lipid-lowering therapy), prevent blood clots (antithrombotics), and lower blood pressure (antihypertensives).

This study aims to use anonymised data from GP and hospital patient records to analyse trends in the prescription of these medications in patients with PAD and AAA. The goal is to determine how well current practices align with treatment guidelines, why some patients may not receive guideline-recommended medications, and the impact of this on the risk of vascular complications and death.

By developing a greater understanding of the factors affecting medication prescriptions, this study will help guide future research to ensure more patients receive the correct treatments. This will help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in this vulnerable group, improving their survival and quality of life.

Lead Researcher	Dr. Jing Yi Kwan Academic Clinical Fellow in Vascular Surgery
Host Organisation/CSU	Trauma and Related Services Leeds Children’s Hospital Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Grant Amount	£7,980
Start Date	01/02/2023
Estimated Duration	12 months
Impact Areas	Health Inequalities - Cardiovascular
Tags/key notes	Cardiovascular