BACKGROUND: The peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) is characterized by the deterioration in the quality of life of patients when associated with high risk of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events. The clinical diagnosis is sensitive and specific, by means of the Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI), and, when there is early detection, the control of risk factors is optimized. OBJECTIVE: To assess the perception of PAOD in Fontaine class I or II patients by means of the Family Health Strategy in Pará de Minas (MG), Brazil, through an analysis of the socioeconomic characteristics and life quality determinants. METHODS: After the sample calculation, stratified by genre and age, a questionnaire elaborated for the purposes of this study was applied to 123 individuals who were diagnosed with Fontaine class I or II PAOD. Aiming at the associations, the c² and Fisher's exact tests were used (p<0.05). RESULTS: Among the participants who answered to the questionnaire, 96 (78%) were women and had low schooling. An association between intermittent claudication, the most common symptom, and the sensation of pressure on the legs, cramps, foot paresthesia, fatigue, swelling, and tingling was observed. There was no association with smoking, systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes and cholesterol alterations. Among the participants, 76 (61.8%) had never heard about the disease despite the fact that they had it. Pain during activities at home or elsewhere was reported by 48 individuals (39%). The practice of physical activities was more recommended by clinicians - mentioned by 18 (14.6%) individuals - and walking, the only activity that was practiced according to the recommended levels, was reported by 102 participants (27.7%). CONCLUSION: This population needs to be better oriented about the clinical and non-pharmacological treatment intended to the control of irreversible chronic manifestations. We emphasize the relevance of conveying information about the silent development and the symptomatology of the disease.
arteriosclerosis obliterans; intermittent claudication; quality of life
