Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Limitation in Peripheral Arterial Disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Vascular Medicine
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD) significantly increases cardiovascular mortality risk.
• PAD is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, highlighting the need for improved screening.
• Developing novel screening methods is crucial for preventing PAD-related disability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of using cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) termination as a screening tool for peripheral artery disease (PAD).
• To assess the relationship between exercise capacity, angiographic findings, and PAD in cardiovascular patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of clinically stable cardiovascular patients undergoing CPET.
• Assessment of angiograms in patients who prematurely terminated CPET.
• Measurement of functional capacity using metabolic equivalents from bicycle exercise.

Main Results:

• 351 patients were unable to complete CPET; 216 underwent angiography.
• PAD was diagnosed in 165 patients, with lesions identified in iliac, femoral, and below-knee arteries.
• Reduced VO2 max during CPET was significantly associated with the presence and location of PAD lesions.

Conclusions:

• CPET termination may serve as a preliminary screening signal for PAD.
• This study provides a basis for further research into using CPET for PAD detection.
• Early identification of PAD through CPET can aid in timely intervention and management.