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Role of Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Therapy in Management of Peripheral Artery Disease

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Abstract

Purpose of review

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a complex atherosclerotic arterial disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Hence, the role of evidence-based medical therapy in PAD is critical, especially the use of antithrombotic therapy.

Recent findings

Multiple randomized controlled trials, especially those from the last few years, including but not limited to the Cardiovascular Outcomes for People Using Anticoagulation Strategies (COMPASS) trial and the Vascular Outcomes Study of Aspirin along with Rivaroxaban in Endovascular or Surgical Limb Revascularization for PAD (VOYAGER PAD) trial, have shown the utility of the use of various antiplatelet and oral anticoagulant therapies, especially the combination of low-dose rivaroxaban and aspirin, in patients with PAD both with and without revascularization.

Summary

In this review, we will (i) summarize the current guidelines outlining the evidence-based use of various antithrombotic agents in PAD, (ii) summarize the current available trials supporting such guidelines, and (iii) discuss future trial designs.

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    Authors and Affiliations

    1. Department of Cardiology, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, North Shore University Hospital, 300 Community Dr Manhasset, New York , Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA

      Byung Joon Park MD, Linle Hou MD, Andrew Galmer DO & Hillary Johnston-Cox MD, PhD

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    1. Byung Joon Park MD
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    2. Linle Hou MD
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    4. Hillary Johnston-Cox MD, PhD
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    Correspondence to Byung Joon Park MD.

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    Byung Joon Park declares that he has no conflict of interest. Linle Hou declares that he has no conflict of interest. Andrew Galmer declares that he has no conflict of interest. Hillary Johnston-Coxe declares that she has no conflict of interest.

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    Park, B.J., Hou, L., Galmer, A. et al. Role of Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Therapy in Management of Peripheral Artery Disease. Curr Treat Options Cardio Med 25, 379–390 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11936-023-00999-0

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