Screening for Peripheral Arterial Disease

Lower extremity peripheral artery disease is a manifestation of systemic atherosclerotic disease, which affects over 8 million Americans and conveys a significant health burden globally. Although PAD can be asymptomatic and subclinical, it is associated with a reduction in functional capacity and quality of life when symptomatic, and, in its most severe form, is a major cause of limb amputation. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) commonly results from progressive narrowing of arteries in the lower extremities. Previous studies have shown that PAD is associated with a significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. This is the reason screening is crucial for diagnosis and prevention of future adverse cardiovascular events. The most common etiology is atherosclerosis, although other disease process like inflammatory, immune, and hypercoagulable disorders can cause signs and symptoms of arterial insufficiency. When recognized early and appropriately managed, complications that lead to limb loss can be minimized. All patients should have a comprehensive history taken and be examined for PAD, but patients with risk factors should be specifically examined which is currently suboptimal in our daily practice.