Focus on Prevention: Peripheral Arterial Disease and the Central Role of the Cardiologist

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a manifestation of systemic atherosclerotic disease. PAD patients have a poor prognosis with an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events, including myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, limb ischemia and CV death; therefore, it is important to detect and treat PAD early. PAD and coronary artery disease (CAD) share a common pathogenesis and risk factors for development; therefore, cardiologists are in a unique position to screen, diagnosis and treat PAD. Moreover, PAD and CAD also share some treatment goals, including an aggressive modification of risk factors to reduce the risk of CV events. However, PAD remains an underdiagnosed and undertreated disease with medico-legal implications. As the role of cardiologists is expanding, the purpose of this review was to awaken the clinicians to the significance of PAD.

Automated summary

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a manifestation of systemic atherosclerotic disease and is associated with a poor prognosis and increased risk of cardiovascular events. Cardiologists play a crucial role in screening, diagnosing, and treating PAD due to its shared pathogenesis and treatment goals with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, PAD remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, highlighting the need for increased awareness and focus on this condition.