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Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Published on: December 11, 2013
Intermittent claudication: From its risk factors to its long-term prognosis in men. The Quebec Cardiovascular Study
A St-Pierre1, B Cantin, B Lamarche
1Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada.
The Canadian Journal of Cardiology
|January 27, 2010
Summary
Men with intermittent claudication face high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks, comparable to those with prior myocardial infarction (MI). Key risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes, highlighting the need for proactive management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Prospective studies on intermittent claudication's natural history, including risk factors and cardiovascular prognosis, are limited.
- Understanding intermittent claudication is crucial due to its association with significant cardiovascular events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence of intermittent claudication in men.
- To identify risk factors associated with developing intermittent claudication.
- To assess the long-term cardiovascular prognosis for men experiencing intermittent claudication.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study of 4376 men aged 35-64, initially free of cardiovascular disease (CVD), was conducted in Quebec City from 1974 to 1998.
- CVD risk factors were assessed in 1974.
- Prognosis was evaluated by comparing event rates between 1985-1998 for men with incident claudication, myocardial infarction (MI) survivors, and men without CVD.
Main Results:
- Over 24 years, 300 men developed intermittent claudication.
- Tobacco use, elevated systolic blood pressure, and diabetes at least doubled the adjusted risk (aRR) of intermittent claudication.
- During a 13-year follow-up, 48.8% of claudicants experienced a new CVD event, a rate similar to myocardial infarction survivors (45.6%) and significantly higher than men without CVD (18.9%).
Conclusions:
- Intermittent claudication significantly increases the risk of future cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- The CVD risk in men with intermittent claudication appears comparable to that of men who have previously had a myocardial infarction (MI).
- These findings underscore the importance of managing intermittent claudication as a critical indicator of cardiovascular risk.
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