Cited 2 times since 2006 (0.1 per year) source: EuropePMC Journal of psychosomatic research, Volume 61, Issue 6, 1 1 2006, Pages 739-745 Age-related differences in invasive treatment of peripheral arterial disease: disease severity versus social support as determinants. Aquarius AE, Denollet J, Hamming JF, De Vries J

Objective

Social support may influence the seeking of appropriate treatment. We examined social support and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) severity as determinants of treatment for PAD in younger and older patients.

Methods

Consecutive PAD patients (N=203) completed the Perceived Social Support Scale. Treadmill-walking distance and ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) were measured. The main outcome was invasive treatment for PAD in the year following diagnosis.

Results

During follow-up, 48% of the patients underwent invasive treatment for PAD. Younger patients (

Conclusion

Younger patients with inadequate social support may fail to seek appropriate treatment, suggesting the need to consider psychosocial factors in optimizing treatment of atherosclerotic vascular disease in this high-risk group.

J Psychosom Res. 2006 12;61(6):739-745