Patients with unrecognized peripheral arterial disease (PAD) assessed by ankle-brachial index (ABI) present a defined profile of proinflammatory markers compared to healthy subjects

► In atherosclerosis inflammation is crucial. ► Biomarkers mark the relationship. ► IL-6 and E-selectin are leukocytic and endothelial markers. ► MMP-2/MMP-9 show the matrix degradation. ► Unrecognized PAD show a characteristic inflammatory pathway.