Peripheral vascular considerations

Arterial pathology of the lower extremity is common in the elderly. It has been the author's experience that most arterial pathology affecting the foot is caused by peripheral arterial occlusive disease, emboli, or infection. One of the most important factors determining whether healing will take place is the adequacy of the arterial blood supply. It is essential that health care providers be able to recognize whether the patient's blood flow is sufficient to maintain tissue nutrition or heal an ischemic ulcer, whether signs or symptoms presented by the patient are a result of an arterial system disorder, and, if arterial blood flow is compromised, whether the patient should be referred to a specialist.