Ankle–Brachial Index for Assessment of Peripheral Arterial Disease

Abstract

Peripheral arterial disease affects more than 10 million people in the United States. In advanced stages, it may cause claudication and critical leg ischemia, defined as the presence of pain at rest in the leg or foot, ischemic ulcers, or gangrene. The presence of peripheral arterial disease leads to substantial morbidity in individual patients and results in early mortality. It also incurs high costs for the health care system. Because of its critical impact on health, accurate diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease is important. . . .