Medical management of the patient with intermittent claudication

Intermittent claudication (IC) due to peripheral arterial disease (PAD) causes substantial impairment in quality of life, and is strongly associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The overall medical approach to management focuses on reducing cardiovascular events, preventing progression of underlying PAD (eg, limb loss), and improving symptoms. Aggressive secondary prevention strategies (eg, statins and smoking cessation) are of critical importance. Cilostazol treatment should be considered for those with persistent IC symptoms despite exercise and risk factor control. Management of IC requires a comprehensive approach toward symptomatic relief of pain with strategies that prolong life and prevent limb loss.