[Prevalence and risk factors of peripheral arterial disease in an outpatient screening campaign]

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an important predictor of cardiovascular disease with major medico-economic consequences. However, systematic screening of asymptomatic patients free from history of cardiovascular disease is debated.

Determining the prevalence, risk factors for PAD in a population of outpatients at intermediate or high-risk of cardiovascular disease, free from history of cardiovascular disease to assess the potential impact of PAD screening in such groups of patients.

Multicenter 1-day screening program of PAD conducted from 2008 to 2010 in a population defined by diabetes plus age greater than 50 years, positive active smoking status, or age greater than 70 years. PAD was defined as an ankle-brachial index (ABI) less than 0.9 measured as follows: lowest systolic ankle pressure divided by highest systolic arm pressure.

Ten thousand six hundred and fourteen patients fulfilled study inclusion criteria: 16.7% (n = 1774) exhibited an ABI less than 0.9 and 3.8% (n = 407) an ABI less than 0.7. ABI greater than 1.3 was found in 7.7% of patients (n = 818). Age greater than 70 years, male gender, active smoking status, hypertension and diabetes (treated) were independent risk factors for PAD.

Primary prevention outpatient screening of a population with intermediate or high cardiovascular risk can identify numerous patients with PAD. The medical impact in terms of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity of such a screening needs to be assessed.