Angioplasty of flow limiting stenosis improves left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with peripheral artery disease

Abstract Background Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is associated with hypertension and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). Objective We hypothesized that endovascular treatment of flow limiting peripheral stenosis may improve LVDD. Methods In this prospective single center trial, 23 patients with PAD Rutherford stage 2–4 were included. Augmentation index (AIx), central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) and ankle brachial index (ABI) were measured at baseline one day before, one day after and at follow up 4 months after angioplasty. LVDD was assessed by echocardiography at baseline and at follow up. Results Mean E/E' ratio was significantly lower at follow up (11.9±4.4 to 10.2±4.4; p