Treating cardiovascular disease with antimicrobial agents: a survey of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among physicians in the United States

Clin Infect Dis. 2001 Jul 15;33(2):171-6. doi: 10.1086/321810. Epub 2001 Jun 15.

Abstract

To assess physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and prescribing behaviors with regard to the association between Chlamydia pneumoniae and cardiovascular disease, we surveyed 750 physicians in Alaska, 1172 in West Virginia, and 569 infectious disease (ID) specialists in a nationwide network during February-May 1999. Eighty-five percent knew of the association between C. pneumoniae and atherosclerosis, but this awareness was more common among ID specialists and cardiologists than among generalists (96% vs. 77%; P<.001). Knowledge scores were significantly higher among ID specialists and cardiologists (P<.001) and among physicians who saw relatively more patients who had myocardial infarction and/or were at risk of atherosclerotic disease. Four percent of physicians had treated or recommended treating cardiovascular diseases with antimicrobial agents; this percentage was significantly higher among cardiologists, physicians who empirically treat patients with peptic ulcers with antimicrobial agents, and physicians with a relatively high knowledge score.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Arteriosclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Arteriosclerosis / microbiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / microbiology
  • Chlamydophila Infections / complications*
  • Chlamydophila pneumoniae*
  • Clinical Competence*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Physician's Role*
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents