Application of the Ankle-Brachial Index in Primary Health Care, challenge or reality in Mexico?

Abstract

Those who work on the frontlines of primary health care (PHC) often treat patients with chronic degenerative diseases and along with any comorbidities. The number of cases is expected to increase. Due to this predicted increase, treatment should focus on the prevention of both the pathology and its complications. However, in order for this to happen, health professionals will first require new diagnostic tools. The ankle-brachial index is one such diagnostic tool. The index can be used when dealing with peripheral arterial disease as well as coronary heart disease. Improving and furthering the knowledge and application of the ankle-brachial index should be a priority for both healthcare providers as well as healthcare adminstrators that work in primary health care, as well as the need to include this topic in undergraduate curricula.