Abstract 3449: Increasing Prevalence of Peripheral Artery Disease in the United States: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999 2004)

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD), a marker of subclinical coronary artery disease, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It is unknown if the prevalence of PAD in the general US population without known cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasing. Hypothesis: The prevalence of asymptomatic PAD in the general US population is increasing and is associated with an increase in the prevalence of common cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: We analyzed data from three National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) between the years 1999 –2004. The prevalence of PAD, as defined by an ankle-brachial index Results: The prevalence of PAD among asymptomatic adults without CVD increased significantly during the six year time period 1999 –2004 (TABLE 1). Across the 3 NHANES assessments, the increase in PAD prevalence was seen in every age group (40 – 49, 50 – 69, and >70 years). The prevalence of PAD was highest among those aged 70 and older (15.0% 95% CI 13.1% to 17.2%). The prevalence of diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and smoking use increased significantly over the three surveys (TABLE 1). Conclusions: This study provides a nationally representative estimate of PAD prevalence in asymptomatic adults in the United States over a six year time period and reveals that PAD is affecting an increasing number of persons. The prevalence of PAD increases with age. The increase in PAD prevalence is associated with an increase in the prevalence of common cardiovascular risk factors.