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Updated: May 30, 2026
Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Published on: December 11, 2013
Reprinted article "The fate of the claudicant--a prospective study of 1969 claudicants"
1St George's Hospital, London SW17, UK.
Insights
This study on intermittent claudication found that age, prior heart disease, and low ankle/arm pressure predict mortality. White blood cell count also indicated risk for heart attack and stroke.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology
- Clinical Trial Analysis
Background:
- Intermittent claudication (IC) is a common manifestation of peripheral artery disease (PAD).
- Understanding predictors of cardiovascular events in IC patients is crucial for risk stratification and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predictors of serious cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with intermittent claudication.
- To evaluate the prognostic value of baseline characteristics and laboratory measurements.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 1969 patients with intermittent claudication.
- Patients received placebo medication for at least 1 year with close monitoring.
- Analysis of entry characteristics and laboratory data for prediction of cardiovascular events.
Main Results:
- Annual mortality rate was 4.3%.
- Significant predictors of total mortality included advanced age, history of coronary heart disease, and ankle/arm pressure ratio < 0.5.
- Elevated initial white cell count predicted myocardial infarction, stroke, and vascular deaths.
Conclusions:
- Baseline patient characteristics are strong predictors of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in intermittent claudication.
- White blood cell count is a significant, yet often overlooked, laboratory marker for vascular risk in this population.
Abstract:
A prospective study of 1969 patients with intermittent claudication receiving placebo medication for a minimum of 1 year is reported. Patients were carefully monitored and only four patients were lost to follow-up. Annual mortality was 4.3%. Thirty-six patients developed a definite myocardial infarction, 27 a major stroke, 32 required a major amputation and 111 required surgical or radiological intervention for deteriorating ischaemia of the leg. The entry characteristics of the patients were analysed as a predictor of serious cardiovascular events. The most sensitive predictors of total mortality were age, history of coronary heart disease and an ankle/arm pressure ratio below 0.5. Of the laboratory measurements performed only the initial white cell count was a significant predictor of myocardial infarction, stroke and vascular deaths.
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