Experts call for regular screening to prevent complications in people with peripheral artery disease

An international group of cardiologists, angiologists and vascular surgeons is calling for regular screening to prevent complications in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD).

PAD is a common condition in which plaque buildup in the arteries restricts blood flow to the leg muscles. While many people with PAD have no symptoms, some may experience painful leg pain when walking, which usually goes away after a few minutes of rest. While PAD is caused by blocked arteries in the legs, it is often an early sign of blocked arteries in the brain and heart. Early detection and treatment of PAD can greatly reduce the risk of grave conditions such as amputations, heart attacks, and strokes.

The fresh European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines, co-authored by researchers from the University of Surrey, also highlight that personalised treatment plans, which could include a elementary walking regimen and a hearty diet, could benefit the almost 300 million people living with PAD worldwide. The guidelines also recommend a fresh and more reliable method of detecting PAD, developed in Surrey, called the estimated ankle-brachial pressure index.

The guidelines also encourage the operate of mobile apps to treat PAD and ensure patients adhere to personalised treatment plans.

Professor Christian Heiss, co-author and Chair-elect of the ESC Working Group on Aorta and Peripheral Vascular Diseases, from the School of Biological Sciences, University of Surrey, said:

“These updated guidelines are essential because they provide a blueprint for preventing and treating grave complications in people with peripheral artery disease. By focusing on early detection, personalized treatment plans, lifestyle changes, and early revascularization when needed, we can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Combined with advances in diagnostic methods, medical applications, and portable monitoring devices, our work equips patients and their caregivers with the tools and knowledge to take control of their health and prevent future problems.

The guidelines also emphasize the operate of lipid-lowering therapies, which aim to reduce the amount of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. These therapies assist prevent the buildup of fat in the arteries, which can block blood flow. The guidelines recommend aiming for very low levels of LDL cholesterol to provide better protection for the heart and blood vessels.

If lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, along with standard medications like statins, don’t lower cholesterol enough, the guidelines recommend additional treatments. These include PCSK9 inhibitors, which can significantly lower LDL cholesterol in people who have trouble reaching their goals with statins alone, and bempedoic acid, an alternative for people who can’t tolerate statins or need extra support to lower cholesterol.

Furthermore, the guidelines emphasize the essential role of early and effective treatment of obstruction, which in most cases can be achieved using catheters and therefore does not require surgical intervention.

The guidelines were published in the European Heart Journal.