Abstract
This study aimed to determine the prevalence, incidence, and clinical outcomes of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in Scottish military veterans compared to a matched non-veteran population. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using linked electronic health records for approximately 57,000 veterans and 173,000 age, sex, and socio-economically matched non-veterans. The prevalence of PAD was significantly higher in veterans (2.1%) compared to non-veterans (1.5%) (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.35, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.28-1.42). The incidence of PAD was also higher in veterans (Adjusted Hazard Ratio [AHR] = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.19-1.31). Furthermore, veterans with PAD had a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality compared to non-veterans with PAD. These findings suggest that Scottish military veterans have an increased burden of PAD and associated adverse outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted screening and management strategies in this population.