# Depression and Peripheral Artery Disease: A Narrative Review

## TL;DR

Depression is common in peripheral artery disease patients and worsens outcomes, highlighting the need for integrated care.

## Contribution

This review highlights the novel emphasis on integrating depression screening into peripheral artery disease management.

## Key findings

- Depression is linked to higher mortality and limb loss in peripheral artery disease patients.
- Depression reduces adherence to therapy and benefits from revascularization procedures.
- Systematic screening and integrated care are recommended for better patient outcomes.

## Abstract

Peripheral artery disease is a chronic vascular disorder associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and functional decline. Depression frequently coexists with this condition and is consistently linked to adverse outcomes, including increased risk of limb loss, higher mortality, reduced adherence to therapy, and diminished benefits from revascularization procedures. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence on the prevalence of depression among patients with peripheral artery disease, its impact on clinical outcomes, and the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may explain this association. The findings emphasize the importance of recognizing depression as a major determinant of prognosis in peripheral artery disease and support systematic screening and integrated management as essential components of comprehensive patient care.