Prevalence of coronary artery disease in patients with symptomatic peripheral vascular disease

R Bhardwaj1, N Ganju, M Sharma

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

Indian Heart Journal
|June 29, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Patients with symptomatic peripheral vascular disease often have normal coronary arteries. This study found low coronary artery disease prevalence despite severe peripheral vascular disease, suggesting focused cardiac screening may not always be necessary.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) is frequently observed in patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD).
  • Understanding coronary anatomy is crucial for patients presenting with symptomatic PVD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and extent of coronary artery disease in patients diagnosed with symptomatic peripheral vascular disease.

Main Methods:

  • Peripheral angiography was performed on 53 patients with symptomatic PVD over two years.
  • Coronary arteriography was conducted for all participating patients.
  • Vessel involvement and occlusion severity were assessed for both peripheral and coronary arteries.

Main Results:

  • A total of 117 peripheral vessels were involved across 53 patients.
  • Coronary artery disease was identified in only 8 (15%) patients, involving 11 coronary arteries.
  • Eighty-four percent of peripheral vessels showed total occlusion, compared to 18% of affected coronary arteries.

Conclusions:

  • The majority of patients with symptomatic peripheral vascular disease exhibit normal coronary arteries.
  • The prevalence and extent of coronary artery disease are notably low in this patient cohort, even with severe peripheral vascular disease.
Abstract

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