Peripheral Arterial Disease Linked to Mortality Rate of Over 68%
By: Maria Camila Sanchez
February 04, 2024
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) has been associated with a mortality rate exceeding 68%, according to Dr. Carlos Vázquez, an interventional and peripheral vascular cardiologist. PAD is a cardiovascular condition deeply linked to atherosclerosis, as the accumulation of fat in the arteries can hinder or obstruct blood flow, diminishing irrigation to the extremities.
“One of the main signs that the patient may have is pain,” indicated Dr. Vázquez during the second cardiovascular symposium ‘Pavia Heart and Vascular Forum’ exclusive for the Medicine and Public Health Magazine. “This can progress to the point where the patient develops ulcerations or openings in the skin that can become infected, cause gangrene, and threaten the patient’s limb.”
Diagnosis and Treatment
“There are studies carried out both in offices and hospitals in which the simultaneous pressure of both legs is measured, known as ‘ankle-brachial index,’ with which we know whether the patient is already having a limb perfusion problem or not,” explained Dr. Vázquez. Subsequently, more invasive studies or a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis are performed to find abnormalities.
If an obstruction is found, “we take it to the room and do an angiogram as if it were a catheterization, but of the legs,” Dr. Vázquez added.
Complications and Prevention
Dr. Vázquez also highlighted the potential complications of PAD. “PAD can cause the loss of a limb in patients due to inadequate blood flow. If this is not attended to in time, the patient can develop ulcers that will lead to gangrene and, eventually, lead to amputation.”
To prevent such complications, different therapeutic alternatives are currently available. “There is medical treatment with medications to prevent progression and help perfusion. However, when the patient is in an advanced stage, the arteries have to be opened so that the patient receives blood throughout the entire leg,” Dr. Vázquez said.
Main Risk Factors
Controlling triggering factors such as diabetes and avoiding smoking are crucial in preventing PAD. Dr. Vázquez emphasized, “Cigarette smoking is the second most common cause of having peripheral vascular disease.”
Despite generally affecting the extremities, PAD is associated with a considerable mortality rate. “A patient who has peripheral vascular disease has a mortality of over 68% in 5 years, if he has what is called ‘chronic limb ischaemia’,” Dr. Vázquez pointed out.
It is important to address PAD promptly as these patients are also associated with a high incidence of cardiovascular complications, with many of them dying from a cardiovascular complication in the next 3 to 5 years, according to Dr. Vázquez.