ASSESSMENT OF PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE IN DIABETES USING PULSE OXIMETRY AS A SCREENING TEST

Abstract

Introduction: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is most common disease affecting arteries of lower limb. Prevalence of PAD is around 14% in Diabetic population in India.Compromise of arterial flow due to stenosis and occlusions can lead to limb ischemia which results in intermittent claudication, rest pain, local tissue loss (ulceration) or amputation. Up to two thirds of the population amongst diabetics aged>40 years is asymptomatic for (PAD) and thus underdiagnosed as usually a patient arrives when the limb ischemic symptoms have already become severe.