Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and initial treatment of chronic venous disease (CVD) in the Spanish primary health care system during 2006 and to compare the results with those obtained in 2000.
Methods: The survey involved 1 118 general practitioners co-ordinated by 37 specialists in angiology and vascular surgery, assessing 15 consecutive patients, each attending the clinics between 29 May and 2 June 2006.
Results: Of the16 186 patients reported, 82% had CVD risk factors. When asked about CVD signs or symptoms 11 277 patients (69.7%) mentioned some kind of clinical manifestation/sign compatible with the disease. Diagnosis was established in accordance with the clinical section of the CEAP classification, 38% of the total being classified as C2-C6. Sixty-two percent of the symptomatic patients had received prior treatment (vs 24.8% in year 2000), and following the survey 88% of the patients diagnosed with CVD were treated (vs 62% in 2000).
Conclusions: The results for 2006 confirm the high prevalence of CVD in primary health care in Spain. In comparison with the results for 2000, an improvement in the patterns of medical advice use, treatment and prescriptions are observed. Despite these findings, specific training programs in primary health care regarding the diagnosis and treatment of CVD continue to be necessary.