TITLE:
Screening for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) in Hypertensive Black Patients: Ankle-Brachial Index in a Senegalese Primary Care Setting
AUTHORS:
Ngoné Diaba Gaye, Aliou Alassane Ngaïdé, Mame Madjiguène Ka, Abdoul Kane
KEYWORDS:
Peripheral Artery Disease, Hypertension, Africa South of the Sahara
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases,
Vol.14 No.10,
September
30,
2024
ABSTRACT: Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) poses a significant health concern, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where its prevalence is increasing. [1] Despite its significance, there is limited understanding of PAD among hypertensive patients in this region, highlighting a critical gap in knowledge. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PAD and associated factors in black hypertensive patients. Methods: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over two years at a primary care center in Senegal using their ankle-brachial index (ABI) database. Data collection was strictly retrospective, and sociodemographic characteristics and clinical parameters were retrieved from the local patient database. We included all hypertensive patients who had benefited from an ABI. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 18.0 software program. Results: Among the 220 hypertensive patients enrolled, PAD prevalence was 35%. Significant associations were observed between PAD occurrence and older age (>75 years, p = 0.008) and triple therapy (p = 0.015). Multivariate analysis confirmed age >75 years as a strong predictor of PAD in hypertensive patients (p = 0.01, OR = 4.6). Furthermore, PAD prevalence increased with the severity of hypertension (p = 0.03), emphasizing the need for targeted screening strategies in this population. Conclusion: Despite its limits, this study underscores the urgent need for improved access to healthcare services and tailored screening programs. The findings highlight the growing burden of PAD in Sub-Saharan Africa and the essential role of early detection and intervention, particularly in high-risk populations such as hypertensive individuals. Collaborative efforts involving healthcare providers, policymakers, and community stakeholders are crucial to implement effective interventions and reduce the impact of PAD on population health outcomes.