The Secret of Preserved Quality of Life in Elderly Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease and Decreased Ankle-Brachial Index

Abstract

Summary Objective. In lower limb peripheral artery disease the most commonly used method for the assessment of the main arterial system is represented by the determination of ankle-brachial index (ABI). The post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia (PORH) is a controversial method used for the evaluation of primary collateral circulation. The follow-up of these patients has an underestimated part, their quality of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate this and highlight the importance of the PORH in the sight of optimal treatment. Method. 34 patients diagnosed with lower extremity artery disease, receiving conservative treatment, the ankle-brachial index was defined with a Doppler Bistos BT-200, 8 MHz device, the PORH was evaluated with a Bidop ES-100V, an instrument which sends information for a Smart-V-Link software. To assess the quality of life we used the VascuQol-6 test. Results. The age (mean ± SD) of the patients was 67.24±9.51, 52.92% were active smokers. A significant positive correlation was found between PORH and the results of VascuQol-6 test (p=0.02, r=0.38) and an inverse correlation between ABI <0.5 and VascuQol-6 >12. We noticed a significant difference between the VascuQol-6 result at smokers and non-smokers (p=0.02). Conclusions. The quality of life can be acceptable at patients with significant stenosis on the main artery and decreased ankle-brachial index due to presence of the collateral artery system with a maintained ability of vasodilatation represented by PORH. The efficiency of the treatmet is based on quitting smoking, starting programs which are helping patients to quit smoking would be useful.