Abstract
Objective: To analyze the impact of the different types of exertional leg pain on
cardiovascular function, functional capacity, and habitual physical activity levels in patients with PAD.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 124 patients with symptomatic PAD were
included. Exertional leg pain was evaluated using the San Diego Claudication
Questionnaire. Subsequently, patients were categorized into two groups according to their exertional leg pain: atypical leg pain (non-calf pain and atypical calf pain, n = 31) and intermittent claudication (classic intermittent claudication symptoms, n = 93). Cardiovascular function (blood pressure, heart rate, arterial stiffness, and heart rate variability), functional capacity (six-minute walk distance, handgrip strength, and short physical performance battery), and habitual physical activity levels were measured.
Results: Functional capacity and physical activity levels were similar between patients with atypical leg pain and symptoms of intermittent claudication. However, patients with classic intermittent claudication symptoms presented higher central systolic blood pressure (P = 0.028) and arterial stiffness (augmentation index and pulse pressure; P ≤0.001 and 0.019, respectively) in comparison with patients with atypical leg pain.
Conclusion: The type of exertional leg pain does not influence functional capacity and habitual physical activity levels in patients with PAD. However, patients with classic intermittent claudication symptoms present higher arterial stiffness compared with patients with atypical leg pain.
cardiovascular function, functional capacity, and habitual physical activity levels in patients with PAD.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 124 patients with symptomatic PAD were
included. Exertional leg pain was evaluated using the San Diego Claudication
Questionnaire. Subsequently, patients were categorized into two groups according to their exertional leg pain: atypical leg pain (non-calf pain and atypical calf pain, n = 31) and intermittent claudication (classic intermittent claudication symptoms, n = 93). Cardiovascular function (blood pressure, heart rate, arterial stiffness, and heart rate variability), functional capacity (six-minute walk distance, handgrip strength, and short physical performance battery), and habitual physical activity levels were measured.
Results: Functional capacity and physical activity levels were similar between patients with atypical leg pain and symptoms of intermittent claudication. However, patients with classic intermittent claudication symptoms presented higher central systolic blood pressure (P = 0.028) and arterial stiffness (augmentation index and pulse pressure; P ≤0.001 and 0.019, respectively) in comparison with patients with atypical leg pain.
Conclusion: The type of exertional leg pain does not influence functional capacity and habitual physical activity levels in patients with PAD. However, patients with classic intermittent claudication symptoms present higher arterial stiffness compared with patients with atypical leg pain.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 360-367 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Vascular |
| Volume | 28 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Early online date | 25 Mar 2020 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Aug 2020 |
Keywords
- atypical leg pain
- cardiovascular system
- functional capacity
- intermittent claudication
- Peripheral artery disease
