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[Polydistrectual atherosclerosis in the elderly. Ischemic cardiopathy and obliterative peripheral arteriopathy of the
R Cimino1, E Bonacci, P Iannazzo
1Il Divisione di Medicina Generale, Azienda Ospedaliera Pugliese, Ciaccio, Catanzaro.
Insights
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is common in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients, especially the elderly. This study highlights the need to screen for PAD in CHD patients due to frequent risk factors like diabetes and hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Epidemiological studies reveal the widespread nature of atherosclerotic disease.
- A frequent association exists between coronary heart disease (CHD) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of the lower limbs.
- Evaluating PAD frequency in CHD patients stratified by age is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of PAD in patients with CHD.
- To assess the prevalence of PAD in CHD patients over 65 and under 65.
- To identify common risk factors for atherosclerotic disease in CHD patients with and without associated PAD.
Main Methods:
- A consecutive series of 502 patients with CHD were studied.
- Patients were categorized into two groups: over 65 (367) and under 65 (137).
- Risk factors assessed included family history, smoking, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.
Main Results:
- PAD was present in 37% of all CHD patients studied.
- PAD prevalence was significantly higher in the elderly group (87.6%) compared to younger patients (12.4%).
- Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and smoking were the most frequent risk factors observed.
Conclusions:
- PAD is a common comorbidity in patients with CHD, particularly in the elderly.
- The study underscores the importance of actively screening for PAD, even asymptomatic cases, in patients diagnosed with CHD.
- Early detection and management of PAD in CHD patients may improve outcomes.
Background:
Numerous epidemiological studies have recently drawn attention to the polydistrict nature of atherosclerotic disease. In particular, it has been made clear the frequent association between coronary heart disease and peripheral arterial disease of the lower limbs. We have therefore evaluated the frequency of peripheral arterial disease in a consecutive unselected series of patients affected by coronary heart disease, over 65 and under 65. We have besides evaluated the frequency of some factors of risk for atherosclerotic disease on the subjects affected by coronary heart disease alone and in those with associated peripheral arterial disease.
Methods:
We have studied 502 patients (280 males and 222 females) with coronary heart disease admitted to the II Division of General Medicine of Pugliese-Ciaccio Hospital of Catanzaro. Of the 502 patients examined, 367 (72.7%) over 65 and 137 (27.3%) under 65. Factors of risk considered were familiarity, cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidosis, arterial hypertension.
Results And Conclusions:
Peripheral arterial disease was present in 37% of the subjects examined. In the elderly group there was a frequency of 87.6%, while in subjects under 65 the frequency was 12.4%. Symptoms of claudicatio were present in 100% of the subjects under 65 and 58.6% of the elderly subjects. Risk factors that apply with greater frequency were diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and smoking. The results of our study show the importance of searching for stenosis even if asymptomatic in patients with coronary heart disease, above all if elderly.