Abstract
Objective: To analyze the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), through the calculation of the ankle-brachial index (ABI), and its relationship as a risk predictor in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, with a sample of 250 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization for at most 1 year, the measurement of the ABI was performed in a standardized way, using a Portable Vascular Doppler DV610, a sphygmomanometer and a clinical evaluation form, which was applied to investigate cardiovascular risk factors. The data obtained were transcribed into a digital spreadsheet and processed in STATA v statistical software. 9.2. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: In the present study, the highest prevalence was of males (56%) and the mean age was 63.5 ± 9.9 years. Within the sample, 63.3% had normal ABI and 36.4% had altered ABI. The relationship between the altered index and ethnicity, alcoholism, dyslipidemia and age were statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: The calculation of ABI is effective and necessary in clinical practice as a coronary artery disease risk predictor.