Peripheral Arterial Disease A Systematic Management Strategy

Peripheral Arterial Disease A Systematic Management Strategy

Although a proportion of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are asymptomatic, some may experience
intermittent claudication (IC) or symptoms of critical limb ischaemia (CLI). Patients with PAD are at a higher
risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality. Measurement of the ankle brachial index
is a simple, noninvasive test for quantifying vascular compromise to the lower limb extremities. Management
of atherosclerotic risk factors is crucial in all patients with PAD. In patients with IC, revascularisation should
be reserved for those with severe limitation to mobility or who have failed medical management. In patients with
CLI, revascularisation aims to prevent limb loss, resolve rest pain and heal ischaemic ulceration or gangrene.

Modern Medicine – July 2017