Treatment strategies for peripheral artery disease.
Peripheral arterial disease is an underecognized manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis associated with high rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The rationale of therapy is to reduce cardiovascular risk, improve symptoms of intermittent claudication, and prevent the development of critical limb ischemia and amputation. Exercise therapy and several pharmacologic agents have been shown to improve walking distance in patients with intermittent claudication. Patients with lifestyle-interfering symptoms despite exercise, or those who progress to critical limb ischemia, frequently undergo revascularization. Endovascular techniques are commonly used in these patients. Combined pharmacological and endovascular strategies will play an increasing role in management of these patients in the future.
McCann
Andrew B
AB
Vascular Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
Jaff
Michael R
MR
D055109:Ankle Brachial Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D007383:Intermittent Claudication; D018908:Muscle Weakness; D018579:Patient Selection; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents