Pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in peripheral artery disease for diabetes patients

Abstract

Over 170 million people worldwide are diagnosed with diabetes and it’s estimated that the number will reach 370 million cases by 2030. Diabetes represents a major risk factor for all cardiovascular diseases with a high mortality rate. Furthermore, diabetes represents a risk factor for peripheral artery disease (PAD) cases and its association leads to significant increase in risk for vascular and cardiac events at foot and leg level thus impacting the quality of life of the patient. The atherosclerosis which is found at the base of PAD pathogenesis results from accumulation of lipids and fibrous material between the tunica intima and tunica media vascular walls resulting in progressive constriction of the vessel’s flux. This phenomenon can lead to complications such as thrombosis or rupture of the atheroma plaque which results in occlusion of downstream vessels. Reducing the risk factors which contribute to the atherosclerosis pathogenesis such as endothelial dysfunction, increase in platelets activity, dyslipidemia, immunological and inflammatory factors as well as tobacco contributes to the reduction of atherothrombotic episodes with impact on the patient’s quality of life.

Keywords

• atherosclerosis
• peripheral artery disease
• diabetes mellitus