Impact of obesity on walking capacity and cardiovascular parameters in patients with peripheral artery disease: A cross-sectional study

Background: Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) present a high prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome, as well as diseases related to cardiovascular dysfunction. However, whether obesity influences walking capacity and cardiovascular function in patients with PAD is poorly understood.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of obesity on walking capacity and cardiovascular parameters in patients with PAD.

Design: This is a cross-sectional study.

Setting: Patients were recruited from public hospitals of São Paulo.

Methods: One-hundred two patients with PAD and symptoms of intermittent claudication were recruited and divided into 2 groups according to their body mass index: normal weight (<25 kg/m²) and overweight/obese (≥25 kg/m²). Patients were submitted to objective (6-minute walk test) and subjective measurements of walking capacity (Walking Impairment Questionnaire). In addition, cardiovascular parameters (office blood pressure, resting heart rate, arterial stiffness, vascular function, and heart rate variability) were obtained.

Results: The speed domain of the Walking Impairment Questionnaire was lower in the overweight/obese group compared to the normal weight group (32 ± 20 vs 21 ± 16, respectively, P < .01). Resting heart rate was higher in overweight/obese patients (61 ± 10 vs 70 ± 12, respectively, P < .01). However, no other walking capacity or cardiovascular parameter variables were related to obesity in patients with PAD.

Conclusion: Obesity influences resting heart rate and walking speed in patients with PAD.