Risk factors in vascular disease: who is really at risk and what can be done about it? Introduction.

摘要

WHAT DO CEOS of worldwide banks and vascular specialists have in common? It is the need to take into account good risk management! The financial debacle of the subprime mortgage business that we have witnessed this last year clearly demonstrates what happens when risk is ignored. In this issue of. Seminars in Vascular Surgery, the contributors examine risk and its relationship to vascular disorders and their treatment. Certainly, an appreciation of risk factors should allow for earlier diagnosis and prophylaxis to prevent vascular disorders and their consequences. Also, evaluation of risk can identify who should, or more importantly, who should not, undergo intervention, be it endovascular or open surgery. I strongly believe that it is an awareness of risk that separates the merely good from the truly great surgeons. For this issue, I have turned to some of the latter physicians for help in writing the various articles.