Utility of ankle-brachial index in screening for peripheral arterial disease in rural India: A cross-sectional study and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an underdiagnosed illness often affecting the elderly population. Ankle brachial index (ABI) is a good diagnostic tool for PAD in outpatient practice, but remains underused.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were recruited from an outpatient medical camp in rural India, and assessed for symptoms and pre-existing risk factors. Measured ABI≤0.9 was considered abnormal and considered PAD.

RESULTS: Out of 100 patients recruited, PAD was diagnosed in 57 patients. Associated risk factors were like age >55years (67%), hypertension (66%), smoking (69%) and diabetes mellitus (35%) were common.

CONCLUSION: PAD is a very common and underdiagnosed illness in rural India. A simple tool like ABI can help diagnosis in underserved areas.