Physical examination to screen for peripheral artery disease in a defined Primary Care population: A diagnostic accuracy study.

Introduction: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an underdiagnosed prevalent disease which implies high cardiovascular risk. Professionals usually depend on physical examination to screen for PAD.

Objective: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of physical examination to screen for PAD in a rural Primary Care population and to evaluate the nurse-physician level of agreement in pedal pulse palpation.