Objective: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a chronic, obstructive and progressive disease that occurs in adult ages, caused by atherosclerosis in the lower extremities. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of PAD and related factors.

Material and Method: This study is a cross-sectional study conducted with 195 adult individuals between 25 September and 25 December 2016, in the Silivri district of Istanbul. The demographic characteristics, chronic diseases and smoking habit of the individuals were assessed. The walking impairment questionnaire (WIQ) was applied, height and weight of the patients, right and left systolic and diastolic blood pressures, posterior tibial arterial pressures were measured, body mass index (BMI) and ankle-brachial index (ABI) were calculated.

Results: Of the participants, 33.8% were male and 66.2% were female. The mean age of the group was 54.1±13.2 years. Of the participants, 50.8% were smokers or had smoked in the past. PAD prevalence (ABI>1.3) was found to be 47.2% (confidence ınterval: 38.03-57.86). ABI was found higher in patients with high BMI and those who had smoked and quited smokers. ABI was found to be higher when the BMI was higher . The mean WIQ value of the group was 70.5±25.4 and the median was 77.8. The mean WIQ value was found to be statistically significantly lower in females, in the higher BMI group, and in the low education level group, and in the group who have hypertension, diabetes and coronary artery disease and PAD symptoms.

Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of PAD was found as 47. 2%. Removal of stated risk factors will provide primary protection and early detection of PAD will provide secondary protection.

Peripheral arterial disease; ankle-brachial index; walking impairment questionnaire