Biomarkers in peripheral arterial disease

Abstract

Patients who have peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have a high incidence of cardiac morbidity and mortality. There have been numerous biomarkers described to assess cardiovascular risk, but few are part of routine clinical practice. Currently, the key biomarkers that improve risk stratification in patients with PAD are cardiac troponins, C-reactive protein, and B-type natriuretic peptide. Recent advances in descriptive proteomics will offer future potential for biomarker discovery. However, it is essential that new markers are translated into tools for patient care. This review examines the potential biomarkers that improve cardiovascular risk stratification in PAD and avenues for future studies.