Vascular Markers in PAD

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Assessment of Vascular markers in Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

• IRAS ID

  358247

• Contact name

  Faisel Khan

• Contact email

  f.khan@dundee.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Dundee

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 10 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  People with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a condition where the arteries in the legs become narrowed, are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Despite this known link, there is limited research exploring how the thickness of artery walls (called Intima-Media Thickness, or IMT) and changes in the blood vessels of the eye (known as ophthalmic vasculature) are related to overall heart and blood vessel health in people with PAD.
  The overarching aim of this project proposal is to understand the correlation between microvasculature and macrovasculature vascular markers among PAD patients. We hypothesise that, in patients with peripheral arterial disease, structural and functional changes in the micro-circulation mirror markers of large arteries.

  Outcome measures:
  During a single study visit, participants with PAD will undergo the following assessments:

  1- Eye blood flow assessment: An ultrasound scan of the main blood vessel supplying the eye will be used to measure blood flow.
  2- Retinal imaging: A camera will take detailed pictures of the small blood vessels at the back of the eye (retina) to assess their shape, size, and health.
  3- Neck artery ultrasound: An ultrasound of the carotid arteries will measure artery wall thickness (IMT), blood flow pattern (Doppler pulse wave), and flexibility (strain elastography).
  4- Skin microcirculation test: The small blood vessels in the skin will be tested using a mild electrical current and a laser scanner to see how they respond. (Full Field Laser Perfusion).
  5- Artery stiffness measurement: The pulse wave velocity (PWV) test will measure how fast blood travels between arteries in the neck and thigh.
  6- Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI): Blood pressure will be measured at the ankle and arm to assess leg circulation.
  7- Blood tests: Samples will measure markers related to blood vessel health, metabolism, and inflammation.

• REC name

  London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  25/PR/1694

• Date of REC Opinion

  17 Dec 2025

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion