J Vasc Nurs. 2026 Sep;44(3):201-206. doi: 10.1016/j.jvn.2026.06.004. Epub 2026 Jul 2.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common comorbidity among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), and its presence is correlated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the coexistence of PAD in patients with CAD and to identify the relationship between the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) and intermittent claudication (IC) in this population, along with evaluating other contributing factors.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Jordan. 383 patients with known CAD were recruited from June to October 2023, and data on demographics, medical history, and clinical examination findings were collected. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) was measured for all patients. PAD was defined as an ABI value ≤0.90. The IC was assessed using the Edinburgh Claudication Questionnaire.
RESULTS: A total of 383 patients with CAD were included (mean age 63.2 ± 10.2 years; 87.5% male). Hypertension (68.9%), diabetes mellitus (55.9%), and heart failure (32.9%) were the most common comorbidities, and the majority were receiving aspirin (96.6%), statins (96.9%), and beta-blockers (91.1%). Based on ABI findings, 76 (19.8%) participants with CAD were identified as having co-existing PAD. Compared with non-PAD patients, those with PAD were more likely to be retired (p = 0.027) and to have diabetes mellitus (p = 0.003), hypertension (p = 0.008), and heart failure (p = 0.005). Patients with PAD also reported more ischemic symptoms, including hair loss (p = 0.004) and lower limb edema (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed regarding gender, marital status, or smoking status. Intermittent claudication was reported by 8.9% of patients, of whom 32.9% had PAD (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that PAD was significantly associated with age (p = 0.001), smoking duration (p = 0.003), and CAD duration (p = 0.035), but not with time since the last PCI (p = 0.096).
CONCLUSION: One in five patients with CAD may have concomitant PAD, highlighting the need for routine ABI screening. Systematic detection of PAD in this population may improve risk stratification, enable individualized management, and optimize outcomes.
PMID:42637491 | DOI:10.1016/j.jvn.2026.06.004