The Effect of Covid-19 Vaccines on Peripheral Arterial Disease

Aim: Throughout the pandemic, it has been reported that COVID-19 affects multiple systems and causes damage, with the cardiovascular system being one of the main systems disrupted by COVID-19 infection. COVID-19-related peripheral arterial disease is characterized by the sudden onset of symptoms due to arterial occlusion caused by thrombosis or embolism. The aim of the study was to reveal whether the two most used COVID-19 vaccines in Türkiye (Biontech-mRNA and Sinovac inactivated vaccines) influence the development of peripheral arterial disease and to investigate whether this relationship changes with the vaccine doses. Methods: The study was conducted with a total of 1134 patients who were pre-diagnosed with PAD, using a retrospective data analysis method. The relationships of the definite PAD diagnosis rates, particularly with the COVID-19 vaccines, the type of vaccines, and their doses were examined. Changes in these relationships according to gender and age were analyzed. Results: It was determined that the frequency of peripheral arterial disease increased during the pandemic, and that Sinovac inactivated vaccine and Biontech-mRNA vaccines had no effect on the development of peripheral arterial disease. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the importance of vaccines, which are the most crucial tool for health professionals in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during a period when vaccine hesitancy and opposition are rising. Keywords: vaccine, vaccine hesitancy, COVID-19, peripheral arterial disease