Peripheral artery disease and angiogenesis: A link between angiogenesis and atherothrombosis

Abstract

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an important global healthcare problem associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. This disease is an important manifestation of atherosclerosis and the pathophysiological processes involved in its development, progression and complications are atherothrombosis and thromboembolism. The process of angiogenesis is evident in atherosclerotic vascular diseases. This process is also closely associated with atherogenesis and thrombogenesis - as a new vascular triad of pathophysiology, with the endothelium central to the process. Indeed, a number of angiogenic markers have been investigated in relation to vascular disease and its associated risk factors. This chapter will discuss the associations between the processes of angiogenesis, thrombogenesis and atherogenesis in relation to PAD along with therapeutic angiogenesis in the management of this disease. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.