Introduction:

The detection of the peripheral arterial disease allows identifying a group of high cardiovascular risk. The ankle-brachial index test with a digital sphygmomanometer is a very reliable technique, easy to apply and interpret.

Objectives:

To determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of peripheral arterial disease in adult subjects of Primary Care in Areguá, Paraguay, in 2019.

Methodology:

This was an observational, descriptive, prospective, multicenter study. Men and women over 50 years of age who attended three Family Health Units of Areguá, Paraguay, in 2019 were included prior informed consent. They all underwent socioeconomic and clinical measurements and detection of the ankle-brachial index with a digital sphygmomanometer. All ankle-brachial indexes <0.9 were considered abnormal.

Results:

One hundred and twenty-four patients were included, with a mean age of 64±8 years. Female subjects predominated, with primary education, married and without economic independence. The most frequent comorbidities were high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus. Seven cases (5.6%) compatible with peripheral artery disease were detected. Among these, only 43% reported intermittent limb claudication.

Conclusions:

The frequency of the ankle-brachial index compatible with peripheral artery disease was 5.6%. Among these, limb claudication symptoms were reported by 43%.

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