The role of general practitioner in the prevention of complications of atherosclerosis

By means of the matched pair method the difference in the frequency of the risk
 factor between a group of 46 patients with 
peripheral arterial occlusive disease and a group of 54 examinees without peripheral arterial
 occlusive disease was tested. In the group with
peripheral arterial occlusive disease significantly greater number of diabetics, smokers, physically inactive persons as well as persons with 
hyperlipemia (P<0.05) was found. The results 
of the measures to change risk profile of the
 group with peripheral arterial occlusive disease 
have been observed. Rather simple preventive 
measures are therefore possible. General measures are designed for the entire population 
and aimed at teaching the principles of a healthy life style including balanced diet, non smoking, and regular exercise. Specific preventive
 measures, which include screening for high risk 
individuals, assessment of risk, elimination of
 risk factors proper treatment are the responsibility of the primary health care team.