Variation in vascular activity in the United Kingdom: an analysis of five regions

Background: The aim of this study was to define variations in vascular acti vity that may exist between different demographic regions of the UK. Method s: Five regions were studied. Data were obtained on OPCS codes for vascular surgery 1994-95 from the Department of Health or Welsh Office. Mortality a nd cause of death statistics were calculated for each region from OPCS data . Results: Ranges of vascular reconstruction, iliac and superficial femoral artery angioplasty and major amputation were 26.2-44, 10.5-23.0 and 11.5-1 5.7 per 100,000 population, respectively. The highest rates of amputation w ere seen in areas of high standard mortality and highest death rate from at heroma and ischaemic heart disease. Rates of amputation also rose in propor tion to the number of men in the population aged > 60 years. Conclusion: Va riations exist in vascular activity between different regions. This may be caused by demographic differences in the population. It needs to be conside red when calculating the number of vascular surgeons required in different areas of the country. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All right s reserved.