Program Overview
Inconsistency in diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with coronary heart disease constitutes a critical gap in healthcare quality. Although patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) are at increased risk for subsequent heart attack and sudden death, many present without acute symptoms and remain undiagnosed and untreated. Over half of those that die suddenly from ACS have no previous symptoms of disease and 75% of those living with PAD are asymptomatic.1 Earlier diagnosis of these patients and effective implementation of evidence-based prevention strategies is critical to reducing their risk for future cardiovascular events.
To improve identification, risk stratification, and outcomes of patients with ACS or PAD Acute Coronary Syndrome and PAD: Applying Diagnostics for Early Detection and Intervention will discuss the implications of PAD and ACS on cardiovascular disease; review evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis, risk stratification, and risk factor reduction; and demonstrate the appropriate execution and interpretation of the ankle brachial index (ABI), an effective evaluation tool for the early diagnosis of PAD.
1. AHA/ASA. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics.2008 Update.
