ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A low ankle-brachial pressure index (an ABPI value <0.90) is considered predictive of cardiovascular disease, and is widely thought to increase morbidity and mortality in the elderly. However, good nutrition is beneficial both for the health and the ability to resist and recover from the disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the ankle-brachial pressure index and the nutritional status of the elderly in a city of Kochi prefecture, Japan. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in which a total of 100 elderly people, both males and females, were screened for ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI), nutritional status (through the use of the short form of the mini nutritional assessment), activities of daily living, lifestyle, gait speed (10MWT), postural stability (OLST), and functional mobility (TUG). RESULTS: About 67% of the participants were found to have a normal nutritional status, 27% were at risk of malnutrition, and six percent were classified as malnourished. The mean ABPI of the participants was 1.08±0.10, and three participants had an ABPI lower than 0.90. The ABPI was statistically higher in well nourished participants compared with those at risk of malnutrition or the malnourished. The mean ABPI was significantly higher in non-smokers compared with former smokers. The ABPI was found to correlate negatively with gait speed and with TUG score. CONCLUSION: Well-nourished elderly had a higher normal ankle-brachial pressure index as compared with the malnourished elderly. This study provides supportive evidence for the necessity of adequate nutrition for elderly people.