Prevalence and risk factors associated with peripheral arterial disease in the Hearts of Brazil Project.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. In Brazil, data on PAD prevalence and risk factors are scarce. To assess prevalence and risk factors related to PAD in Brazilian urban centers with more than 100,000 inhabitants. National, multicenter, cross-sectional study of 1,170 individuals (>18 years), from 72 major Brazilian urban centers participating in the "Hearts of Brazil Project". PAD diagnosis was based on ankle-brachial index (ABI)