Ankle-brachial Index as Predictor of Coronary Artery Disease in Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Introduction: In India, the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) has doubled, and the association between diabetes mellitus, peripheral arterial disease, and CAD remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship between ankle-brachial index (ABI) and CAD in diabetic patients, using the ABI as a diagnostic tool for peripheral arterial disease. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary care center analyzed 100 diabetes cases for CAD using angina history, past treatment, electrocardiography, and two-dimensional echocardiography. Blood pressure was measured in all limbs, and ABI was calculated by dividing ankle pressure by brachial pressure, selecting the lower ratio. Results: Out of 100 patients, 28 had ABI <0.9 and 72 had ABI ≥0.9. The majority of both groups were male. The highest percentage in both groups was aged 51–60. The ABI +VE group had higher proportions of hypertension, smokers, and dyslipidemia. The majority in the ABI −VE group were nonsmokers and without dyslipidemia. Both groups had a majority with body mass index ≥25 kg/m2. Mean diabetes duration was higher in the ABI +VE group, while mean glycated hemoglobin levels were higher in the ABI −VE group. Conclusion: In our study, the prevalence of ABI +VE patients was 28% and prevalence of CAD in this group was 42.85%, which is statistically significant. Hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes duration, and glycemic control were significantly associated with low ABI index (ABI <0.9).