On September 24th, 2024, during Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Awareness Month, a full-day public health initiative titled "A Step Ahead of Disease" was held at Freedom Square in Osijek. This event was organized by the Interventional Radiology Section of the Croatian Radiology Society and the Croatian Institute of Public Health, in collaboration with the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek and under the patronage of the Ministry of Health.
During the event, citizens were offered ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurements, blood glucose tests, and blood pressure checks. The ABI is a fundamental and essential test for the early detection of PAD, which also indicates the risk of developing other cardiovascular diseases. The test results were interpreted for participants, who were then advised on the importance of managing seven modifiable risk factors: smoking, physical inactivity, diet and maintaining a healthy weight, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, blood lipid disorders (dyslipidemia), and chronic stress.
PAD is a type of cardiovascular disease that primarily affects the blood vessels of the heart and brain, potentially leading to myocardial infarction and stroke. It is characterized by the narrowing of arteries in the arms and legs, primarily due to atherosclerosis. This often asymptomatic condition can lead to complications related to impaired blood flow to the pelvic region and leg muscles, resulting in ischemia, infections, ulcers, chronic wounds, and gangrene, which, if untreated, may necessitate amputation and carry a high mortality rate within a year post-amputation.
Participants whose values fell outside the normal range were referred for additional clinical consultations with two medical specialists. Based on their clinical assessments, these specialists provided counseling and recommended further specialized evaluations. The benefits of this event are highlighted by the fact that two patients were referred for urgent treatment at the Emergency Department of the Clinical Hospital Center Osijek and were subsequently hospitalized.
The event's success was supported by numerous public institutions and healthcare facilities, with significant assistance from undergraduate and graduate nursing students, as well as faculty and staff from the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek.
