Attitudes and behavior of peripheral arterial disease patients toward influencing their physician's prescription of cholesterol-lowering medication

Mary McGrae McDermott, Northwestern University
Kathleen M. Mazor, University of Massachusetts Medical School
George W. Reed, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Sherry L. Pagoto, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Rex Graff, Northwestern University
Philip A. Merriam, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Melina Kibbe, Jesse Brown Veterans Administration Medical Center
Philip Greenland, Northwestern University
Judith K. Ockene, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Barbara C. Olendzki, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Huimin Tao, Northwestern University
Ira S. Ockene, University of Massachusetts Medical School

Abstract

Among 355 peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients with low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels >/= 70 mg/dl, we assessed knowledge regarding optimal LDL levels and the importance of LDL-C-lowering therapy. We also assessed PAD participants' behaviors and attitudes regarding their engagement with their physician in treatment decisions for LDL-C lowering. The average baseline LDL-C level of participants was 103.4 mg/dl +/- 30.7 mg/dl. Seventy-six percent of participants were taking at least one cholesterol-lowering medication. Sixty-six percent were unable to define their optimal LDL-C. Only 47% strongly agreed that their own actions and decisions could reduce their LDL-C. Just 29.8% were aware that patients who request specific medications from their physician were more likely to receive them, and 16% had asked their physician whether they should be taking more cholesterol-lowering medication. These findings suggest that further study is needed to identify effective interventions to educate PAD patients and their physicians about the importance of cholesterol-lowering therapy and to encourage PAD patients to participate with their physician in decisions regarding cholesterol-lowering treatment. Clinical Trial Registration - URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00217919.