Screening for Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects 8 to 10 million Americans, and the incidence of PAD is expected to increase as the population ages. A high percentage of the PAD is undiagnosed prior to the onset of a serious cardiovascular event; therefore, the inability to screen and diagnose for PAD in the early stages could hinder efforts to decrease adverse consequences of cardiovascular disease. Individuals with PAD have a 3 to 5 times increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality when compared to people without PAD. Guided by the Stetler model, the purpose of this project was to evaluate the relationship between level of PAD, as measured by skin perfusion pressure, and HbA1c using secondary data obtained from charts of patients within the clinic setting. Data included patient gender, age, degree of PAD, and HbA1c. A Pearson’s correlation investigated the relationship between the patients’ HbA1c and level of PAD. There was a significant relationship between HbA1c and LT PAD (r = .21, p =.009). There was no relation in RT PAD (r =.01, n = 149, p = .90). There was a significant relationship between HbA1c and age (r = .34, p = .00). Ultimately, the goal of this study was to improve PAD recognition, encourage early intervention, and facilitate effective preventive methods. Critical limb ischemia might be delayed or prevented if it is identified earlier by screening methodologies. Early identification and treatment of PAD can improve the quality of life and care for individuals suffering with PAD. Screening for Peripheral Artery Disease by Cheryl D. Gordon Post Masters, Texas A&M University, 2012 MS, Texas A& M University 2007 BS, University of Incarnate Word, 2005 Project Submitted in Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University November, 2015