Author:
Mazza Alberto,Lenti Salvatore,D’Avino Maria,Pinna Giuliano,Antonucci Giancarlo,Ciarla Sara,Colombo Fabrizio,Costa Raffaele,Cozzio Susanna,De Palma Alessandro,Del Signore Erica,Errico Massimo,Fiammengo Fabio,Iosa Giuseppe,Loreno Massimiliano,Lorenzi Federica,Paternò Rocco,Pengo Martino,Politi Cecilia,Rattazzi Marcello,Renis Maurizio,Tangianu Flavio,Tarquinio Nicola,Trottini Mario,Scannapieco Gianluigi,Vescovo Giorgio,Gussoni Gualberto,Campanini Mauro,Manfellotto Dario,Fontanella Andrea
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the management practices of internal medicine clinicians for patients with cardiovascular risk factors, with particular respect to treatment thresholds, medication choices and target goals. A sample of internists - representatives of Internal Medicine Units (IMUs) from all the regions in Italy - were identified by the cardiovascular medicine study group of the Italian Internal Medicine FADOI (Federazione delle Associazioni dei Dirigenti Ospedalieri Internisti) Society and invited to fill out a questionnaire about hypertension, dyslipidemia and hyperuricemia. From the 101 questionnaires collected, it was found that despite large heterogeneity between IMUs in terms of patient management and adherence to guidelines, internists were experts in the management of patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and associated comorbidities. We hope that these data prompt the internal medicine community to consider the value of producing shared, real-world guidelines on the management of cardiovascular disease.