Peripheral Arterial Disease Incidence and Associated Risk Factors in a Mediterranean Population-based Cohort. The...

Area of Science:

• Vascular Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) incidence in Western countries is high, ranging from 530 to 2,380 per 100,000 person-years.
• Understanding PAD incidence and risk factors in diverse populations is crucial for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of PAD in a Mediterranean population.
• To identify associated risk factors for PAD within this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A population-based cohort study involving 5,434 individuals aged 35-79 years.
• Data collection included cardiovascular risk factors, questionnaires, and ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurements at baseline and follow-up (mean 5.7 years).
• PAD was defined by ABI <0.9 or clinical diagnosis; logistic and regression tree analyses were employed.

Main Results:

• The cumulative incidence of PAD was 377 per 100,000 person-years, with symptomatic PAD at 102 per 100,000 person-years.
• Significant risk factors identified were current/former smoking, diabetes, older age, cardiovascular disease history, elevated triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure.
• Long-term uncontrolled diabetes demonstrated the strongest association (OR 10.14).

Conclusions:

• Lower extremity PAD incidence in the Mediterranean region appears lower compared to other reported areas.
• Screening for PAD should be considered for individuals with long-term uncontrolled diabetes and smokers over 65.
• Risk factor profiles for PAD may differ based on age groups, with diabetes being more relevant in younger individuals (≤65) and smoking in older ones (>65).