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- Title
Cross-sectional survey of beta-blockers use in primary and secondary care for patients with arterial disease.
- Authors
Torella, F.; Khattak, I.; Edwards, P. R.; Cossart, L. DE
- Abstract
Beta-blockers reduce mortality in ischaemic heart disease and, when given perioperatively, in vascular surgery. We investigated the use of and attitudes towardsβ-blockers by British vascular surgeons and primary care physicians (GPs).We performed a cross-sectional postal survey by questionnaire sent to 367 GPs and 397 members of the Vascular Surgical Society. Specific questions related to beta-blockers use and indications. Two hundred and thirty-four GPs, 95 full-time vascular surgeons (VS) and 137 general surgeons (GS) with a vascular interest responded. Thirty-eight percent of VS and 16% of GS often or always used perioperativeβ-blockade (p < 0.001). Common indications were ischaemic heart disease (39.2%), hypertension (30.6%), arrhythmia (16.3%) and myocardial protection (6.9%). Sixty-eight percent of VS and 42% of GS would prescribeβ-blockers to patients with occlusive arterial disease (p < 0.001). Common indications were ischaemic heart disease (39.6%), hypertension (29.2%) and arrhythmia (13.3%). Of those who would not prescribeβ-blockers in occlusive arterial disease, 65% felt thatβ-blockers were contraindicated in this condition. GPs widely regarded occlusive arterial disease as a contraindication toβ-blockade.Beta-blockers are underused by GPs and GS especially, perhaps because of a perceived risk of side effects in patients with occlusive arterial disease. Further evidence is needed on the effect ofβ-blockade on quality of life of patients with arterial disease.
- Subjects
ADRENERGIC beta blockers; HEART diseases; ISCHEMIA; VASCULAR surgery; PRIMARY care; PHYSICIANS
- Publication
International Journal of Clinical Practice, 2004, Vol 58, Issue 12, p1159
- ISSN
1368-5031
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1742-1241.2004.00238.x