The Relationship Between Peripheral Artery Disease Prevalence And Atherosclerotic Risk Factors

The current study aimed to determine the in our country patients diagnosed peripheral arterial disease (PAD), the relationship with the atherosclerotic risk factors. A better understanding of the risk factors will make it possible to take precautions against the modifiable risk factors, and will facilitate the early diagnosis and implementation of effective therapy. The patients who had been diagnosed with PAD either clinically or by using ultrasonography underwent peripheral angiography for the arteries of the lower extremities. The patients were evaluated in terms of age, gender, and atherosclerotic risk factors. Of the 408 patients, 78.4% were males, and the mean age was 61.5±9.5 years. The patients had the following risk factors: hypertension (HT), 58.3%; diabetes mellitus (DM), 26.7%; a family history of CAD (Coronary artery disease), 15.9%; smokers, 48.2%; hypercholesterolemia, 49.7%. The extent of PAD observed during peripheral lower extremity angiography was associated with atherosclerotic risk factors. Particular attention should be focused on the co-morbidities of PAD. Non-invasive, as well as invasive tests, should be performed when indicated to decrease morbidity and mortality in patients at risk for PAD.