Walking distance and quality of life in patients selected for endovascular treatment

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the association between walking distance and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and to explore the possible relation between HRQoL and walking distance, classified by the Fontaine stage, in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) selected for endovascular treatment. Method: A cross-sectional study of 50 PAD patients (49–83 years) selected for endovascular treatment. Walking distance (Six Minute Walk Test and treadmill test), patient-reported walking distance and HRQoL [Medical Outcome Study Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Claudication Scale (CLAU-S)] were assessed. Results: The associations between measures of walking distance and domains of HRQoL were small to medium in strength. The measured walking distance was markedly longer than the patient-reported walking distance and correlated only with medium strength. There was a significant reduction in the SF-36 domains physical function, physical role and bodily pain, and the CLAU-S domain daily life between patients who had a walking distance below 200 m, compared with patients with a walking distance above that. Conclusions: The results demonstrate the usefulness of assessing HRQoL in addition to performance-based measurements of walking distance in PAD patients. Its utilization may increase awareness of patients’ actual condition and will be a better guide for identifying the best treatment relative to risks.