A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE: ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE FOR CARDIOLOGISTS, BIHAR, INDIA.

Abstract

The term "peripheral artery disease" (PAD) refers to a group of atherosclerotic arterial illnesses that impact arteries other than the coronary ones and cause significant morbidity and mortality in the cardiovascular system. Cardiologists are essential to the diagnosis and treatment of PAD because of their knowledge in cardiovascular disease management. The aim of this review article is to present a thorough overview of PAD assessment and management from the viewpoint of a cardiologist. It covers imaging, general treatment modalities, diagnosis, epidemiology, and particular concerns for the many anatomical locations affected by PAD. The review highlights how critical it is to identify common risk factors for PAD patients, including diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, hypertension, and autoimmune diseases. Ankle brachial index (ABI), imaging modalities, and assessments of upper extremity, mesenteric, carotid, renal, and lower extremity peripheral artery disease are all important in making the diagnosis. Depending on the demands of each patient, treatment options include lipid-lowering medications, antiplatelet, antithrombotic, and antihypertensive therapies. Novel treatments like icosapent ethyl and low-dose rivaroxaban have the potential to lower cardiovascular events in PAD patients. Trials are still underway to determine the best course of action for managing PADs. The study emphasizes the debate surrounding paclitaxel-coated devices in femoropopliteal treatments and the necessity of a multidisciplinary strategy in managing Critical Limb-Threatening Ischemia (CLTI). Due to their extensive experience in treating cardiovascular disorders, cardiologists are ideally suited to spearhead developments in PAD research and treatment.  As a result, cardiologists are better prepared to diagnose and treat patients with PAD. This study highlights the value of individualized care and further research to improve the quality of care for PAD patients.