Aim
The aim was to investigate the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), hypertension and diabetes mellitus in a population of 66-82 year old asymptomatic women with screen-detected carotid plaque (CP) 6 years ago. Furthermore, to gather data on prophylactic medical adherence. 

Method
From a population of asymptomatic Danish women participating in a combined screening program in Viborg County Denmark from 2011-2013, 1474 (74.3%) women attended. 601 had screening-detected CP and were recommended prophylactic acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and lipid-lowering therapy. In this study the 601 women were re-invited to participate in a prospective observational population-based follow-up study.

Results 
In total, 556 (38 died, 7 lost to follow-up) women were invited and  417 (74.6%) participated . 
Mean follow-up was 5.8 years (SD ±0.33; 5.3 to 6.7 years). The participation decreased with age. The prevalence of PAD increased from 30 (7.2%) at the primary screening to 59 (14.2%) at the follow-up. The prevalence of PAD in the 417 attending women did not significantly increase with age in both primary and follow-up screening. After the primary screening 265 (64.0%) were in lipid-lowering therapy and 260 (62.8%) in anti-platelet therapy. At the follow-up the numbers were 248 (59.5%) and 247 (59.2%) respectively. Of the 168 without recommended lipid-lowering therapy at follow-up, 101(60.1%) initiated therapy. Of the 168 without recommended anti-platelet therapy, 119 (70.8%) initiated ASA.

Conclusion
Screening-detected CP in asymptomatic postmenopausal women could be a prognostic marker for PAD development over time. Hence,  
ultrasonography of the carotid arteries might add additional prognostic information in the CVD screening setting. Medical adherence toward relevant prophylactic therapy 6 years after CP detection was around 60%. This identified hesitation needs to be addressed in future studies.

06 - PREVALENCE OF PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE, HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES IN A POPULATION OF 66-82 YEARS OLD ASYMPTOMATIC WOMEN 6 YEARS AFTER SCREENING-DETECTED CAROTID PLAQUE