The management of combined coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) remain highly prevalent in the population due to population ageing, smoking, diabetes, unhealthy lifestyles, and the epidemic of obesity, and frequently coexist. The management of combined CAD and PVD is a common challenge and brings with it numerous clinical dilemmas. The goal of this article is to review the prevalence of PVD and its major impact upon prognosis in patients with known CAD and in turn to review the impact of CAD upon the prognosis of patients with PVD. This review will also highlight issues related to the peri-operative evaluation and management of patients going to vascular surgery, including medical optimization as well as the performance and timing of coronary revascularization.