Related Experiment Videos
Peripheral arterial disease symptom subtype and walking impairment
Tracie C Collins1, Nancy J Petersen, Maria Suarez-Almazor
1Houston Center for Quality of Care and Utilization Studies, Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA. tcollins@bcm.tmc.edu
Vascular Medicine (London, England)
|October 21, 2005
Summary
Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) experiencing leg pain at rest and exertion have significantly worse walking impairment than those with intermittent claudication. Further research is needed to improve walking ability in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Clinical Research
- Patient Outcomes
Background:
- Walking impairment is a prevalent issue for individuals diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
- Understanding the relationship between specific leg symptoms and the degree of walking impairment is crucial for effective patient management.
- Racial and ethnic diversity in patient populations can influence disease presentation and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare specific leg symptoms and their impact on walking impairment in a racially diverse cohort of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
- To identify which leg symptom profiles are associated with the greatest reduction in walking ability among PAD patients.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) was diagnosed using ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurements (<0.90).
- Leg symptoms were categorized using the San Diego Claudication Questionnaire (asymptomatic, atypical, intermittent claudication).
- Walking impairment was assessed using the Walking Impairment Questionnaire in a diverse patient population.
Main Results:
- Patients with PAD and leg pain at rest and exertion demonstrated significantly lower walking distance, speed, and stair climbing scores (p < 0.0001) compared to those with intermittent claudication or asymptomatic disease.
- The walking distance score for patients with PAD and pain at rest/exertion was 27.1 (± SD 37.7), significantly lower than asymptomatic (41.0 ± 38.4) and intermittent claudication groups (38.5 ± 42.7) (p = 0.02).
Conclusions:
- In an ethnically diverse population, patients with PAD experiencing leg pain at rest and exertion exhibit greater walking ability compromise than those with intermittent claudication.
- Atypical leg symptoms in PAD may be linked to coexisting conditions or other factors requiring further investigation.
- Future research should explore interventions to enhance daily walking in PAD patients presenting with atypical leg symptoms.