Risk factors for asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease in Korean population: lessons from a community-based screening

PURPOSE: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common vascular problem and has serious morbidity and mortality in advanced situations. However, the prevalence and risk factors for PAD in Korea have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of PAD in the Korean population. METHODS: The study was processed by visiting community welfare centers. Inclusion criteria were people who participated in this study. Screening was performed by history taking followed by the measurement of ankle brachial index (ABI). PAD was defined when an ABI of 0.9 or less was found in one or both legs. All statistical analyses were conducted with SPSS ver. 22.0. RESULTS: Between January 2008 and December 2012, a total of 2,044 participants were included with 810 men (39.6%) and 1,234 women (60.4%). PAD was detected in 95 (4.6%). Borderline ABI (0.91–0.99) showed in 212 (10.4%), and severe decreased ABI defined as 0.5 or less showed in 3 (0.1%). Significant risk factors for PAD were old age (odd ratio, 1.952; P = 0.045), hypertension (odd ratio, 1.645; P = 0.050), and cardiovascular disease (odd ratio, 2.047; P = 0.039). Significant risk factors for borderline PAD were old age (odd ratio, 1.019; P = 0.024), hypertension (odd ratio, 1.461; P = 0.038), and chronic obstructive lung disease (odd ratio, 3.393; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PAD in the Korean population was 4.6%. Old age, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease were significant risk factors for PAD. Further nationwide study is needed.