Caught Between Heart and Limbs: Navigating the Treatment of Patients With CAD and PAD in an Overwhelmed Healthcare System

Abstract

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are manifestations of atherosclerosis, affecting a substantial proportion of the population. Despite their interrelation, the prevalence of CAD in severe PAD varies, prompting the need to understand their complex relationship. This study retrospectively analyzes prospectively collected data from a high-volume vascular center to assess CAD prevalence, risk factors, and implications for patients undergoing vascular surgery. Among 667 arterial disease patients, 19.5% underwent coronary angiography, with CAD detected in 61.5% of cases. CAD varied across vascular beds. Decision-making around preoperative coronary angiography and revascularization remains complex, with benefits for high-risk patients still being debated. In accordance with current guidelines, the routine practice of coronary revascularization preceding vascular surgery is generally discouraged. This study underscores the need for risk stratification to identify patients who might benefit from coronary revascularization prior to vascular surgery while adhering to cost-effectiveness and avoiding unnecessary and time-consuming diagnostics in the majority of patients. Patient demographics, risk factors, and clinical presentation were analyzed alongside hospital stay, mortality, and complications. The study highlights the challenges in managing patients with concurrent CAD and PAD and calls for improved protocols for treating this high-risk group.