[Detection of peripheral artery disease in patients with ischemic heart disease. A quick guide for medical...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Vascular Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular events (CVE) in cardiological patients.
• Accurate diagnosis and risk stratification are crucial for effective management and prevention of adverse outcomes.
• Current diagnostic approaches require comprehensive evaluation from initial patient contact to advanced imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline principal diagnostic methods for peripheral artery disease (PAD) in cardiology patients.
• To discuss the diagnostic and prognostic value of various assessment techniques.
• To explore the potential of these methods in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events (CVE) and overall mortality.

Main Methods:

• Review of diagnostic strategies, including patient interview and physical examination.
• Evaluation of functional tests for assessing peripheral circulation.
• Discussion of vascular visualization techniques for anatomical and functional assessment.

Main Results:

• Each diagnostic method's value in identifying PAD and predicting patient outcomes is analyzed.
• The potential of diagnostic findings to guide interventions for reducing myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke (IS), and amputation is highlighted.
• Current evidence, including the COMPASS study, suggests intensified antithrombotic therapy can reduce CVE risk in PAD patients.

Conclusions:

• Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is essential for managing PAD in cardiological patients.
• Early and accurate diagnosis facilitates risk stratification and targeted therapeutic strategies.
• Optimizing antithrombotic therapy based on diagnostic results is a key approach to mitigate cardiovascular risk.