Peripheral Arterial Disease

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Definition/Description[edit | edit source]

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is known as a condition where by the blood flow in the limb arteries are obstructed [1]. Commonly, the legs are the most affected [1]. These arteries are obstructed due to plaque deposits that restrict blood flow through the peripheries [2]. Although blood flow may be also restricted by deep vein thrombosis, which may be a blood clot that occurs in the periphery of the limbs [2]. Most patients are asymptomatic, but may experience intermittent claudication (pain on walking). Common symptoms of PAD include pain during walking and rest, skin ulcers, cramping, aching, clubbing of the finger or toenails, cold skin, blue tinged skin, and slow blood refill [3]. Thus there is a lack of blood flow to remove anaerobic metabolites that cause a pain sensation when built up [2]. Critical limb ischaemia occurs when the blood flow reduction is so severe that it causes pain on rest or loss of tissue (ulceration or gangrene).[4]

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

Peripheral artery disease affects around 13% of the Western population who are more than 15 years old.[4] In the United Kingdom, an estimated 500-1000 new cases of PAD are diagnosed per million each year[5][6]. Patients at high risk of PAD are those with cardiac disease, diabetes mellitus, older than 70 years or 50 years old with multiple cardiovascular factors[3]. These factors include smoking, dyslipedmia, dysglycemia, hypertension, family history of atherosclerotic vascular disease. In lower socioeconomic areas, PAD is more frequent as a result of increased incidence of smoking [7]. Some studies report no difference in prevalence between the sexes [3], however, other studies have found a 3:1 ratio comparing men to women[7][5]. A few studies have suggested that black non-Hispanics have an increased prevalence of PAD, with a reported 2.39 to 2.83 odd ratio. Although, a study that controlled for atherosclerotic risk factors found a small difference between whites and African Americans; 1.54 and 1.89, respectively[8]. The majority of cases are asymptomatic..

Aetiology[edit | edit source]

The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, similarly, they share the same risk factors: smoking, diabetes, age, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Uncommon vascular symptoms, such as vasculitis, thromboangiitis obliterans, popliteal entrapment syndrome, and fibromuscular dysplasis, account for less than 10% of cases [3].

Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease. It is the formation of lipid deposits in the tunica media and associated with damage to the endothelial lining [9].The endothelial cells become swollen with lipids and create a gap between in the linings. Platelets stick to the exposed collagen fibers, forming a localized clot that restricts arterial blood flow, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion. This and other complex interactions can lead to progression from asymptomatic PAD, Intermittent Claudication, Critical Limb Ischemia, Acute Limb Ischemia [3]. It is estimated that up to 60% of patients with PAD will have ischaemic heart disease, and 30% have cerebrovascular disease.[10] Reports suggest that within 5 years of diagnosis, 10-15% of patients suffering from intermittent claudication will die from cardiovascular disease.[11] This highlights the importance of identification and modification of risk factors associated with PAD, heart disease, and stroke.

Cigarette smoking increases the chance of having PAD by seven-fold [12]. Due to a change in the fibrin formation, endothelial cells, blood rheology, and lipoproteins decrease antioxidants in the blood [12]. Specifically, the change in endothelial cells that line the arterial walls is strongly associated with atherosclerosis [13]. As the number of cigarettes smoked each day increase, so does the risk of PAD [12]. A systematic review of 17 studies (n=20,278) reported that half of all PAD can be attributed to smoking and concluded that heavier smokers are more likely to develop PAD than light smokers. Moreover, they suggested that former smokers still have an increased risk when compared with patients who have never smoked.[14]

Diabetes, similarly to smoking causes abnormalities in endothelial cells and their function. The cells are unable to regulate the function and structure of the arterial walls[15]. Diabetes Mellitus leads to a two-to fourfold increase in risk of cardiovascular events [3]. The TASC II guidelines report that those with diabetes have a similar relative risk of developing PAD to those that smoke. [10] A prospective cohort study found that poor diabetes management was associated with an increased risk of PAD. [16]

Age - The risk of PAD increases as the population approaches the age of 50. It has been reported that PAD affects 0.9% of 40-49 year olds and increases to 14.5% of 70 year olds and above [3].Studies also have shown that men are the target population of PAD [3].

Gender - TASC II guidelines conclude that men are affected at a younger age than women. However, overall there is no clear distinction in risk.

Hypertension - In a study conducted by Lewington et al. illustrated that for each 20-mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure or 10 mmHG in diastolic for people age 40-70 doubled the risk of cardiovascular disease and PAD [3].

Dyslipidemia - Developing PAD by 10% for every 10-mg/dL rise in total cholesterol[3].

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

If PAD is left untreated it does not inevitably lead to amputation. At five years from diagnosis most patients with claudication have stable or improved symptoms.[17] Asymptomatic disease is identified as a marker of sedentary lifestyle rather than less severe disease and outcomes are similar to those with claudication. As much as 25% of symptomatic patients will need some form of intervention, but less than 5% of those will progress to critical limb ischaemia. [4] The risk of amputation is 1-3.3% and all-cause mortality is 20% within five years from diagnosis of PAD. [4] The risk of limb amputation is 30% in patients with critical limb ischaemia and five year all-cause mortality is 50%. [4] Mortality rates for all patients that require leg amputation are twice as high when compared to those without amputation. Patients presenting with diabetes are at a greater risk of amputation or dying when compared to non-diabetic patients with PAD. [18]

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Most patients with PAD are asymptomatic. Claudication is the most reported symptom. It is an aching or burning sensation in the muscles of the leg that it reliably reproduced after a set walking distance and is relieved with rest. It is not exacerbated by position or present at rest. The site of pain can often help in providing an indication to the site of the disease. Occlusion or stenosis of the aorta commonly causes bilateral buttock, thigh, and calf claudication. Occlusion of the common iliac, common femoral, and superficial femoral arteries causes unilateral buttock, thigh, and calf claudication.

For a diagnosis of acute limb ischemia a patient must present with a sudden onset of the Six P's (Pain, Pallor, Pulseless, Parasthesia, Paralysis, 'Perishingly cold, Sudden onset of claudication.

Investigations[edit | edit source]

A tool used to gain a diagnosis of PAD is Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABI), a simple and inexpensive test that measures the ratio between blood pressure in the legs to the blood pressure in the arms[3]. The lower the pressure in the legs illustrates that PAD is present. An ABI of 0.9- 1.0 is normal, 0.70-0.89 is a mild disease, 0.40- 0.69 is a moderate disease, and less than .40 is a severe PAD[3]. When measuring for ABI, make sure the patient is calm and in a rested position [19]. It is also important to assess individuals if they have diabetes, non-healing wounds on their legs and feet, unexplained pain in their peripherals, and check for femoral and popliteal pulses[19].

Other investigations that are commonly used in the assistance of a diagnosis of PAD are Blood pressure, Electrocardiography, Full blood count, Urea and electrolytes, Random blood glucose or HBA1C, Serum cholesterol, Thrombophillia screen in patients less than 50 years old.

Clinical Manifestations[edit | edit source]

According to NICE:[19]

  • non-healing wounds on legs or feet
  • unexplained leg pain
  • pain on walking that resolves when stopped
  • pain in foot at rest made which worsens with elevation
  • ulcers
  • gangrene
  • dry skin
  • cramping
  • aching

Physiotherapy and Other Management[edit | edit source]

One method of treating PAD is to reduce cardiovascular risk factors by quitting smoking, managing diabetes mellitus, treating dyslipidemia and hypertension [3]. Another method is to treat PAD symptoms to improve quality of life through pharmacotherapy, exercise rehabilitation program, revascularization, thrombolysis and surgical procedures [3]. The least invasive and most appropriate treatment conducted by Physiotherapists would be by prescribing an exercise program. The recommended parameters of physical exercise are a 6 month program of 30-35 minutes walking sessions at a frequency of 3-5 times a week at near-maximal pain tolerant [3]. NICE recommends PAD patients to exercise at near-maximal pain for a total of 2 hours per week for 3 months to improve quality of life [19].

Prevention[edit | edit source]

According to Warren[2] there are several methods one can prevent PAD. Firstly, help change the patient's lifestyle by educating them on the risk factors and the effects PAD. If the patient smokes cigarettes, it is important to address the issue and promote cessation. Those who consume a high fat diet have a higher chance of being diagnosed with PAD, thus one should encourage a reduced fat diet as a strong prevention method. Along with diet, it is important to live an active lifestyle. By being active and working up to the general standards of physical activity per week will allow a decrease in weight along with a decrease in risk of PAD.

Resources
[edit | edit source]

Peripheral Vascular Disease, NHS Choices

Peripheral Arterial Disease, Circulation Foundation 

Peripheral Artery Disease, Mayo Clinic

Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]

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References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Henderson, J, Pollack, A, Harrison, C, Miller, G. 2013, “Peripheral arterial disease”, Australian Family Physician, Vol. 42, no. 6, pp. 363.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Warren, E. Ten things the practice nurse can do about peripheral arterial disease. Practice Nurse 2013; 43; 12: 14-18.
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 Mahameed, AA, Bartholomew, JR, Disease of Peripheral Vessels. In: Topol, EJ, editor. Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 3rd ed. New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, p.1531-1537
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Crawford F, Welch K, Andras A, Chappell FM. Ankle brachial index for the diagnosis of lower limb peripheral arterial disease. Cochrane Database Syst  Rev2016;9:CD010680.pmid:27623758
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Patient. Peripheral arterial disease. http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/peripheral-arterial-disease (accessed 9 May 2015)
  6. ↑ Peach, G, Griffin, M, Jones, KG, Thompson MM, Hinchliffe, RJ. Diagnosis and management of peripheral arterial disease. BMJ 2012; 345: 1-8. http://www.bmj.com/content/bmj/345/bmj.e5208.full.pdf (acccessed 9 May 2015)
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Fowkes G. Peripheral vascular disease. 2010. http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/Documents/college-mds/haps/projects/HCNA/09HCNA3D2.pdf (accessed 9 May 2015)
  8. ↑ Collines, TC, Petersen, NJ, Suarez-Almazor, M, Ashton CM. Ethnicity and peripheral arterial disease. Mayo Clin Proc. 2005; 80(1): 48-54.
  9. ↑ Martini, FH, Nath, JL, Bartholomew, EF. Fundamentals of anatomy and physiology. San Francisco: Pearson Education, 2015.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Aronow WS, Ahn C. Prevalence of coexistence of coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, and atherothrombotic brain infarction in men and women≥ 62 years of age. The American journal of cardiology. 1994 Jul 1;74(1):64-5.
  11. ↑ Norgren L, Hiatt WR, Dormandy JA, Nehler MR, Harris KA. Inter-Society Consensus for the management of Peripheral Arterial Disease (TASC II) Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 33. S1–S75. 2007.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Price, JF, Mowbray, PI, Lee, AJ, Rumley, A, Lowe, GDO, Fowkes, FGR. 1999, “Relationship between smoking and cardiovascular risk factors in the development of peripheral arterial disease and coronary artery disease”, European Heart Journal, Vol. 20, pp. 344-353.
  13. ↑ Hirsch, AT, et al. 2006, “Practice Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease (Lower Extremity, Renal, Mesenteric, and Abdominal Aortic)”, Circulation, Vol. 113, pp. 463-654.
  14. ↑ Willigendael EM, Teijink JA, Bartelink ML, Kuiken BW, Boiten J, Moll FL, Büller HR, Prins MH. Influence of smoking on incidence and prevalence of peripheral arterial disease. Journal of vascular surgery. 2004 Dec 1;40(6):1158-65.
  15. ↑ Creager, MA, Luscher, TF, Beckman, JA. Diabetes and vascular disease: Pathophysiology, clinical consquences and medical therapy. Circulation 2003;108:1527-1532.
  16. ↑ Selvin E, Wattanakit K, Steffes MW, Coresh J, Sharrett AR. HbA1c and peripheral arterial disease in diabetes: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Diabetes care. 2006 Apr 1;29(4):877-82.
  17. ↑ Leng GC, Lee AJ, FOWKERS FG, WHITEMAN M, Dunbar J, Housley E, Ruckley CV. Incidence, natural history and cardiovascular events in symptomatic and asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease in the general population. International journal of epidemiology. 1996 Dec 1;25(6):1172-81.
  18. ↑ Jude EB, Oyibo SO, Chalmers N, Boulton AJ. Peripheral arterial disease in diabetic and nondiabetic patients: a comparison of severity and outcome. Diabetes care. 2001 Aug 1;24(8):1433-7.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 NICE National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Lower limb peripheral arterial disease: diagnosis and management, 2012. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg147/chapter/guidance#management-of-intermittent-claudication (accessed 9 May 2015)
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