An international consortium of cardiologists, angiologists, and vascular surgeons advocates for regular health screenings to help avert complications in individuals suffering from Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).
An international consortium of cardiologists, angiologists, and vascular surgeons advocates for regular health screenings to help avert complications in individuals suffering from Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).
PAD is a widespread issue where the arteries accumulate deposits, thereby limiting blood flow to the leg muscles. While many individuals with PAD experience no symptoms, some may feel a painful cramp in their legs during physical activity, which usually eases after a brief rest. Though PAD arises from blocked arteries in the legs, it can often indicate blockages in the arteries of the brain and heart at an early stage. Timely identification and treatment of PAD significantly decrease the chances of severe complications like amputations, heart attacks, and strokes.
The recently updated European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines, co-written by researchers from the University of Surrey, emphasize that customized treatment strategies—such as a straightforward walking routine and a nutritious diet—could greatly benefit the nearly 300 million individuals diagnosed with PAD worldwide. Additionally, the guidelines introduce a novel, more dependable method for detecting PAD, developed at Surrey, known as the estimated ankle-brachial pressure index.
The recommendations advocate the use of mobile applications to help manage PAD and ensure patients follow their tailored treatment regimens.
Professor Christian Heiss, a co-author and chairperson-elect of the ESC working group focused on the aorta and peripheral vascular health at the University of Surrey, stated:
“These revised guidelines are crucial as they lay out a pathway for preventing and handling severe complications in those with peripheral arterial disease. By prioritizing early detection, customized treatment plans, lifestyle adaptations, and timely revascularization if necessary, we can enhance patient outcomes and overall quality of life. Coupled with advancements in diagnostics, medical applications, and wearable monitoring technologies, our initiatives empower patients and their caregivers to take charge of their health and stave off future complications.”
The guidelines also underline the importance of therapies aimed at lowering lipid levels to reduce “bad” cholesterol (LDL) in the bloodstream. Such treatments are vital for preventing fat accumulation in the arteries, which can hinder blood circulation. The guidelines recommend striving for very low levels of LDL cholesterol to ensure better protection for the heart and arteries.
When lifestyle shifts such as improved diet and exercise, along with standard medications like statins, fail to sufficiently lower cholesterol, the guidelines suggest considering additional options. Among these are PCSK9 inhibitors, which can drastically cut LDL cholesterol for individuals who cannot meet their goals with statins alone, and bempedoic acid, an alternative for those unable to tolerate statins or who need extra assistance in reducing cholesterol levels.
Moreover, the guidelines stress the significance of prompt and effective treatment for blockages, which can often be resolved using catheters, avoiding the need for surgical intervention in most cases.
