The REduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health (REACH) Registry: an international, prospective, observational investigation in subjects at risk for atherothrombotic events-study design.

BACKGROUND: The risk of atherothrombosis is a large health care burden worldwide. With its global prevalence, there is a need to understand all the associated risk factors, both old and new, and their interdependencies in the development of this complex disease leading to myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and vascular death and, thus, the major cause of mortality throughout the world.
METHODS: The REACH Registry sought to compile an international data set to extend our knowledge of atherothrombotic risk factors and ischemic events in the outpatient setting. The Registry will recruit approximately 68,000 outpatients in 44 countries across 6 major regions (Latin America, North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia) from >5000 physician outpatient practices. Patients aged > or =45 years with at least 3 atherothrombotic risk factors or documented cerebrovascular, coronary artery, or peripheral arterial disease will be enrolled. Medical history, risk factors, demographic information, and management will be collected at baseline, and clinical events that occur during the follow-up period of up to 2 years in duration will be recorded.
CONCLUSION: The REACH Registry offers an opportunity to provide a better understanding of the prevalence and clinical consequences of atherothrombosis in the outpatient setting in a wide range of patients from different parts of the world.