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Updated: Mar 8, 2026
14:52
Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Published on: December 11, 2013
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Primary care screening for peripheral arterial disease: a cross-sectional observational study
Jane H Davies1, Jonathan Richards2, Kevin Conway2
1South East Wales Trials Unit (SEWTU), Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff.
Summary
Primary care screening for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has low yield. The QRISK2 score effectively identifies high cardiovascular risk, suggesting improved public awareness, not routine screening, is needed for PAD.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Vascular Medicine
- Primary Care Screening
Background:
- Early identification of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is crucial for reducing cardiovascular mortality.
- The effectiveness and value of primary care screening for PAD remain uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the value of a primary care PAD screening strategy.
- To determine PAD prevalence and agreement between ankle-brachial index (ABI) and QRISK2 scores for cardiovascular risk.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional observational study in a Welsh general practice.
- 1101 individuals with cardiovascular risk factors were invited; 368 participated.
- Participants underwent ABI measurement, QRISK2 assessment, and completed claudication questionnaires.
Main Results:
- PAD prevalence was 3% (12 participants).
- The number needed to screen (NNS) was 31, reduced to 14 for individuals aged ≥50 with smoking history.
- 33% of PAD patients had severe claudication symptoms previously unreported; QRISK2 predicted high CV risk in 92% of PAD patients.
Conclusions:
- Routine primary care PAD screening appears unwarranted due to low yield.
- QRISK2 is comparable to ABI in predicting high cardiovascular risk.
- Enhanced public awareness strategies for PAD are recommended over routine screening.
Keywords:
cardiovascular risk assessmentgeneral practiceperipheral arterial diseaseprimary health carescreeningMore Related Videos
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