| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2013 | Volume
: 10
| Issue : 1 | Page : 26-30 |
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Hypertension and lower extremity peripheral artery disease: An overlooked association
Umuerri E Martha1, Edo Andrew2, Obasohan A Osemwingie2
1 Department of Medicine, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Delta, Nigeria
2 Department of Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
Correspondence Address:
Umuerri E Martha
Department of Medicine, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 07, Oghara, Delta
Nigeria
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0189-7969.118578
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Background: Hypertension is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and by extension lower extremity peripheral artery disease (LEAD). There is however, paucity of data on the prevalence of LEAD among hypertensive patients in Nigeria.
Methods: This study determined the prevalence of LEAD among hypertensive patients attending the hypertension clinic, consultant out-patient department, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. It also examined the relationship of certain risk factors known to be associated with atherosclerosis generally. A total of 153 hypertensive patients aged 18 years and above were consecutively enrolled in the study. LEAD was defined as an ankle-brachial index (ABI) <0.9 in either leg using the hand-held Doppler ultrasound scan. The Edinburgh Claudication Questionnaire was administered to determine a history of intermittent claudication, the major symptom of LEAD.
Results: Nearly, 41.8% of the patients had ABI <0.9 in either leg. Among patients with LEAD majority were asymptomatic with a ratio of 1:8 for symptomatic versus asymptomatic disease.
Conclusion: LEAD is common among hypertensive patients, with prevalence of 41.8%. Majority of patients with LEAD were asymptomatic. |
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