How to identify subjects with poly-vascular disease?

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Atherosclerosis Research
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Multisite artery disease, also known as polyvascular disease, is prevalent, affecting 15.9% of patients with established atherosclerotic arterial disease or multiple atherothrombosis risk factors.
• The presence of polyvascular disease is linked to increased risks of recurrent symptoms and complications in affected vascular beds.
• Current diagnostic approaches involve a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various non-invasive imaging techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the diagnostic work-up and clinical implications of multisite artery disease.
• To evaluate the role of arterial biomarkers in predicting cardiovascular outcomes.
• To address the pending question of whether identifying multisite artery disease improves clinical outcomes in patients undergoing secondary prevention.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and data from registries like REACH.
• Utilization of non-invasive imaging techniques such as duplex ultrasound, CT angiography, and MR angiography.
• Assessment of arterial biomarkers including arterial stiffness, central blood pressure, ankle-brachial index, and carotid intima-media thickness.

Main Results:

• Polyvascular disease is common and associated with higher risks.
• Arterial biomarkers show potential in predicting cardiovascular morbidity and mortality beyond traditional risk factors.
• The clinical benefit of identifying asymptomatic multisite artery disease in secondary prevention remains under investigation.

Conclusions:

• Multisite artery disease requires thorough screening and diagnosis.
• Arterial biomarkers offer valuable prognostic information.
• Further research is crucial to determine if targeted management of multisite artery disease improves patient outcomes in secondary prevention.