Screening for peripheral occlusive arterial disease

Leg artery stenoses often indicate generalized atherosclerosis of the arterial circulation and can be easily and reliably diagnosed by the family physician or nursing staff with Doppler ultrasound measurement and calculation of the ankle-brachial index (ABI). A decreased value (<0.9) is not only a sign of peripheral arterial disease but is also associated with a doubled risk of future coronary or cerebrovascular events. Patients with a low ABI, even if still asymptomatic, should receive intensive preventive measures in the same manner and intensity as patients with coronary disease.