ASSESSMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK USING ANKLE-BRACHIAL INDEX IN EMERGENCY PHYSICIANS WORKING 24-HOUR DUTIES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the likelihood of CVD development among emergency physicians in Khartoum State by employing the ankle-brachial index (ABI), a simple and non-invasive method for detecting peripheral arterial disease and cardiovascular risk.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out over two months. Systolic blood pressure was measured at the brachial and ankle arteries using a handheld Doppler device, and the ankle-brachial index (ABI) was calculated. ABI values were classified as follows: <0.90 (increased cardiovascular risk), 0.91-0.99 (borderline), and ≥1.00 (normal). Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 26.0. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

RESULTS

The study included 60 emergency physicians (52% female, mean age 29±3.8 years). ABI results showed 15% had high CVD risk profile (ABI < 0.90), while 36.7% were borderline, with a mean ABI of 1.01 ± 0.09. Male physicians exhibited significantly higher brachial systolic BP and lower ABI than females, indicating greater cardiovascular risk. Overall, physicians working 24-hour shifts demonstrated a distribution of ABI values suggestive of increased cardiovascular risk.

CONCLUSION

Emergency physicians working 24-hour shifts demonstrated lower ankle-brachial index (ABI) values and elevated systolic blood pressure, particularly among male physicians, suggesting a heightened risk of cardiovascular complications. These findings reflect the importance of early screening and the implementation of targeted preventive measures to mitigate occupational health risks in this population.