Prescribing practice of general practitioners in Northern Ireland for peripheral arterial disease

Peripheral arterial disease is prevalent and reflects overall cardiovascular disease state. Best medical treatment is the cornerstone of management to reduce peripheral arterial disease symptoms and to minimize vascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the prescription practice of general practitioners in Northern Ireland for patients with peripheral arterial disease. All general practitioners were from the Northern Ireland Professional Medical Directory, and a questionnaire was used to determine the prescribing patterns for peripheral arterial disease. In all, 468 general practitioners responded; 94% prescribed aspirin to nondiabetic patients, and 44.9% prescribed statin, with similar results for diabetic patients. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, multivitamins, and beta-blockers were not often prescribed. Statin was prescribed to patients with diabetic peripheral arterial disease at a lower cholesterol concentration. In all, 52% would consider statin and fibrate together. Budgetary consideration influenced 6%. Northern Ireland general practitioners are reluctant to prescribe medication that is effective in the secondary prevention of vascular morbidity and mortality in high-risk patients.