Functional and Cardiovascular Measurements in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease: COMPARISON between MEN and WOMEN

Purpose: To compare functional and cardiovascular variables of men and women with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study included 67 women and 144 men (age 66 ± 9 and 67 ± 10 yr, respectively) with PAD. Patients were submitted to a clinical evaluation, 6-min walk test (6MWT) and cardiovascular evaluation, including blood pressure, arterial stiffness variables, and heart rate variability. Results: Women had lower claudication onset distance (P =.033) and 6MWT distance (P <.001), and similar percentage of the predicted 6MWT distance (P >.05). Women had higher pulse pressure (P =.002), augmentation index (P <.001), augmentation index corrected by 75 bpm (P <.001), and brachial and central systolic blood pressure (P =.041 and P =.029). Diastolic blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, and heart rate variability were similar between sexes (P >.05). Conclusion: Although predicted 6MWT performance was similar between sexes, women had higher blood pressure and wave reflection variables compared with men. Interventions to reduce blood pressure and wave reflection should be emphasized in women with PAD.