Organization of angiology in countries with associate societies of International Union of Angiology.

Angiology is a multidisciplinary medical discipline, consequently in some countries multidisciplinary vascular centres were organized, which provide comprehensive management of patients with different vascular diseases. However, the organization of the care for vascular patients differs between the countries. Therefore, we aimed to check the organization of angiology (vascular surgery and vascular medicine) in countries-associate members of IUA and to stimulate the development of multidisciplinary vascular centres.

Management of arterial hypertension in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for peripheral arterial atherosclerotic disease (PAD). Hypertension deteriorates arterial wall function and the morphology of all layers of arteries. Endothelial cell injury enhances permeability and promotes migration of cholesterol and monocytes into the vessel wall.

Diet and exercise in relation to lower extremity artery disease.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeD) has been associated with a reduced incidence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD)/lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) in observational trials and in a randomized trial. In secondary prevention, a lower hazard ratio for composite major adverse cardiovascular events has been associated with better adherence to MeD in a relatively small, randomized trial. This has not been confirmed in a sub-analysis of a large interventional trial of dual antithrombotic treatment.