Peripheral arterial disease and chronic heart failure: a dangerous mix

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Published on: March 1, 2022

Sally C Inglis1, Adriana Hermis, Sajad Shehab

  • 1Centre for Cardiovascular and Chronic Care, Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, University of Technology Sydney, PO BOX 123, Broadway, 235 Jones Street, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia. sally.inglis@uts.edu.au

Heart Failure Reviews
|June 23, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) often coexists with chronic heart failure (CHF) but is frequently undiagnosed. Screening for PAD in CHF patients, especially smokers or those with diabetes, is crucial for better outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Chronic heart failure (CHF) presents significant comorbidity and impacts quality of life.
  • Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) shares risk factors and pathophysiology with CHF, increasing morbidity and mortality.
  • PAD often remains undetected in CHF patients despite available screening tools.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the prevalence and clinical outcomes of PAD in patients with CHF.
  • To highlight the importance of identifying and treating PAD in CHF care.

Main Methods:

  • A literature review of electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL) was conducted.
  • Search terms included 'peripheral arterial disease,' 'peripheral vascular disease,' 'intermittent claudication,' and 'heart failure.'
  • Five studies examining coexisting PAD and CHF were identified.

Main Results:

  • Limited data exist on the specific impact of PAD on CHF outcomes.
  • PAD can impair exercise capacity and self-care behaviors in CHF patients.
  • Smokers and patients with coronary heart disease and diabetes are at higher risk for PAD.

Conclusions:

  • Screening for PAD is recommended in CHF patients, particularly those with identified risk factors.
  • Early detection and management of PAD may improve overall patient outcomes in chronic heart failure.

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