Ankle brachial index for the diagnosis of asymptomatic lower extremity peripheral arterial disease

Abstract

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common vascular problem in which progressive narrowing of the arteries due to atherosclerosis reduces blood flow in the lower extremities. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic PAD in patients admitted to an internal medicine ward as well as the risk factors for the onset of the condition. This study included 98 institutionalized patients without a history of PAD. Based on the value of ankle-brachial index (ABI), PAD was classified as mild (0.7-0.9), moderate (0.5-0.7) or severe (<0.5). A detailed lower extremity doppler ultrasound was performed on patients with an ABI index <0.9 to provide more accurate information on peripheral arterial disease. The prevalence of asymptomatic PAD was 10.2%. The mean age of patients with positive ABI was 74. The main risk factors associated with PAD are smoking, chronic kidney disease, dyslipidemia, obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. ABI is a useful and simple tool for detecting asymptomatic PAD. It is also crucial for early diagnosis, prevention and treatment, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular adverse events as well as limb complications.

Keywords

• Ankle brachial index
• peripheral arterial disease