Impaired carotid and femoral viscoelastic properties and elevated intima–media thickness in peripheral vascular disease

Background: We undertook a study to determine whether peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremity (PVD) per se affects the arterial viscoelastic properties and intima–media thickness (IMT) of the carotid and femoral arteries. Methods: Thirty-five patients with PVD, 35 age- and gender-matched control subjects were examined with ultrasound scan wall tracking system, with the simultaneous measurement of blood pressure for carotid and femoral IMT and viscoelastic properties. Results: Subjects with PVD have significantly impaired carotid elastic properties including compliance (mean (SD): 6.50 (2.39) vs 9.93 (4.07) %mmHg −1×10 −2, P