The prevalence of asymptomatic and symptomatic peripheral arterial disease and peripheral arterial disease risk factors in the U.S. population.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003 to 2004 data set was utilized to examine trends and differences of individuals with asymptomatic and symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and PAD risk factor variables, determined by Ankle-Brachial Index measurement. A descriptive secondary data analysis was conducted by using the variables age, gender, hypertension (ie, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure), dyslipidemia (ie, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein), diabetes, and cigarette smoking.