Got PAD? Hidden dangers revealed with ABI

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), a result of atherosclerotic vascular changes to the endothelial lining of blood vessels, affects 8-12 million Americans and increases the risk of mortality as much as 50% from heart attacks and strokes. Early diagnosis and treatment of PAD along with early risk-reduction strategies have the potential to decrease societal health costs, as well as morbidity and mortality. PAD through screening with ankle brachial index (ABI), versus relying on existing physical exam and screening questionnaires, can increase the number of participants correctly diagnosed with PAD and lead to earlier treatment options. ABI screening was implemented in a primary care practice setting; outcomes were compared with historical rates and outcomes for participants at risk who declined ABI. Authors concluded that the participants who had ABI screenings that included arterial waveform analysis had a 78% rate of PAD diagnosis, whereas only 13% of the participants who did not elect ABI screening were diagnosed with PAD based on their symptoms and physical exam. Use of ABI screening led to increased frequency and awareness of PAD diagnosis and the opportunity for early intervention.