Objective: To analyze the impact of the different types of exertional leg pain on cardiovascular function, functional capacity, and habitual physical activity levels in patients with peripheral arterial disease.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 124 patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease were included. Exertional leg pain was evaluated using the San Diego Claudication Questionnaire. Subsequently, patients were categorized into two groups according to their exertional leg pain: atypical leg pain (non-calf pain and atypical calf pain, n = 31) and intermittent claudication (classic intermittent claudication symptoms, n = 93). Cardiovascular function (blood pressure, heart rate, arterial stiffness, and heart rate variability), functional capacity (6-min walk distance, handgrip strength, and short physical performance battery), and habitual physical activity levels were measured.
Results: Functional capacity and physical activity levels were similar between patients with atypical leg pain and symptoms of intermittent claudication. However, patients with classic intermittent claudication symptoms presented higher central systolic blood pressure (P = 0.028) and arterial stiffness (augmentation index and pulse pressure; P ≤ 0.001 and 0.019, respectively) compared to patients with atypical leg pain.
Conclusion: The type of exertional leg pain does not influence functional capacity and habitual physical activity levels in patients with peripheral arterial disease. However, patients with classic intermittent claudication symptoms present impaired cardiovascular function compared to patients with atypical leg pain.
Keywords: Peripheral artery disease; atypical leg pain; cardiovascular system; functional capacity; intermittent claudication.