Symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects 3-5% of the population over 60 years of age. Many patients with PAD are unaware of their diagnosis, and hence may not have mentioned
the classical symptoms to their GP. The Edinburgh questionnaire is a validated tool that
helps identify susceptible patients. The questionnaire was administered to patients routinely
attending annual influenza immunisation clinics, in order to identify patients potentially at risk of
PAD. In all, 2.9% of the >65yr cohort were identified by the questionnaire as at risk of PAD.
Opportunity was made for these patients to have their risk factors reviewed, and management
was adjusted in line with the Target PAD algorithm. Reducing the risk factor profile of such
patients improves quality of life scores, morbidity, and mortality. Periodic screening of an ‘atrisk’
population may identify individuals who would gain considerable benefit from further
evidence-based management.
