[Peripheral artery disease as supplemental diagnosis in coronary heart disease--influence on diagnostics, treatment and prognosis]

Abstract

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) increases cardiovascular event rate in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Therefore PAD should be considered in patients with CAD with regard to diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. PAD may difficult diagnostic tests in CAD patients. Patients with PAD and CAD may be limited in stress testing by decreased leg perfusion. In addition, arterial puncture can be more difficult in sclerotic femoral arteries. Cardiovascular risk factors should be treated carefully in all manifestations of atherosclerosis. Target values from current guidelines are similar for PAD and CAD. Inhibitors of platelet aggregation are indication in both CAD and PAD. Exercise not only improves walking distance in patients with intermittent claudication but also improves cardiovascular prognosis in patients with atherosclerosis.