In:
Journal of Applied Physiology, American Physiological Society, Vol. 111, No. 1 ( 2011-07), p. 81-86
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to determine if skeletal muscle capillary density is lower in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and if capillary density relates to functional limitations. PAD patients with intermittent claudication (IC) have a decreased exercise tolerance due to exercise-induced muscle ischemia. Despite the apparent role diminished arterial flow has in this population, the degree of walking pain and functional limitation is not entirely explained by altered hemodynamics of the affected limbs. We hypothesized that skeletal muscle capillary density is lower in PAD and is related to the functional impairment observed in this population. Sixty-four patients with PAD and 56 controls underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing and a gastrocnemius muscle biopsy. A subset of these patients (48 PAD and 47 controls) underwent peak hyperemic flow testing via plethysmography. Capillary density in PAD patients was lower compared with controls ( P 〈 0.001). After adjustment for several baseline demographic imbalances the model relating capillary density to peak oxygen consumption (V̇o 2 ) remained significant ( P 〈 0.001). In PAD subjects, capillary density correlated with peak V̇o 2 , peak walking time (PWT), and claudication onset time (COT). Peak hyperemic blood flow related to peak V̇o 2 in both PAD and control subjects. PAD is associated with lower capillary density, and capillary density is related to the functional impairment as defined by a reduced peak V̇o 2 , PWT, and COT. These findings suggest that alterations in microcirculation may contribute to functional impairment capacity in PAD.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
8750-7587
,
1522-1601
DOI:
10.1152/japplphysiol.00141.2011
Language:
English
Publisher:
American Physiological Society
Publication Date:
2011
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1404365-8
SSG:
12
SSG:
31
