Lower extremities peripheral arterial disease among patients admitted to cardiac rehabilitation: The THINKPAD registry☆ , ☆☆

Abstract Background/objectives Lower extremities peripheral arterial disease (LE-PAD) across the wide range of conditions for Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) is poorly understood. The "ATHerosclerosis of the lower extremIties as a liNKed comorbidity in Patients Admitted for carDiac rehabilitation" (THINKPAD) registry explored LE-PAD in CR patients in terms of prevalence and interventions delivered. Methods Multicenter, consecutive case series of 1506 patients discharged from 16 CR Units in Italy from May 1 to June 30, 2012. Results LE-PAD constituted a primary indication for CR and a comorbidity on admission in 2.6% and 9.3% of patients respectively. LE-PAD patients were significantly older (72±9 vs. 67±12years, p Conclusion LE-PAD represents an uncommon referral indication for CR. Our data confirm its systematic underassessment and undertreatment.