Importance of Ankle/Brachial Pressure Index in Saudi patients with coronary artery disease

Abstract

Aim: The ankle/brachial pressure index (ABPI) has been shown a good marker of systemic atherosclerosis and a powerful predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the importance of measuring ABPI in Saudi patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted on all Saudi patients who underwent coronary angiography without symptoms of peripheral arterial disease at King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar Saudi Arabia. All patients underwent measurement of their ABPI. The study was carried out between December 2010 and November 2011. Results: During the study period, two hundreds and five patients were included. Fifty nine (28.8%) patients were group II (ABPI ≤0.90) and the rest was group I (ABPI>0.90). Significant correlation was found between low ABPI and the extent of CAD (mean number of arteries involved in group I was 1.78±0.83 compared to 2.10±0.736 in group II P=0.011). Nevertheless, the correlation between low ABPI, and the severity of presentation of CAD was also significant (Incidence of Myocardial infarction with congestive heart failure was 0.5% in group I compared to 12% in group II P<0.001) Conclusion: The ABPI is an important prognostic indicator for Saudi patients with CAD.