Original article

Epidemiology of hospitalized patients with peripheral arterial disease in Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Abstract

Aim: To investigate a profile of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Methods: This observational study included 1022 patients hospitalized at the Clinical Centre University of Sarajevo in a 5-year period, 2015 to 2019.

Results: Disease prevalence rises sharply after the age of 50. Most patients, 797 (78%) had proximal PAD; 658 (64.4%) were males. The death occurred in 73 (7.1%) patients, more often in females (66- 10%), and in patients with chronic kidney disease (10- 23.8%). Amputation occurred in 153 (15%) patients, where 102 (66.7%) patients had diabetes. Other surgical procedures were more common in males and smokers. Necrosis and phlegmon on lower extremities were found in 563 (55.1%) and 43 (4.2%) patients, respectively. History of tobacco use was noted in 620 (60.2%) patients, and 414 (40.8%) patients were current smokers. More than a half of patients had hypertension and diabetes, 596 (58.3%) and 513 (50.2%), respectively. One in 10 patients had a history of myocardial infarction or stroke. Most patients had high fibrinogen and blood glucose and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

Conclusion: Patients with PAD have multiple comorbidities and risk for various complications. Primary and secondary prevention of risk factors is the mainstay of treatment.

Keywords: atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, risk factors, tobacco use