Medical Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a chronic atherosclerotic disease of the lower extremities associated with high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, as well as destructive limb-associated complications such as intermittent claudication and ischemic rest pain. While revascularization with surgical and endovascular techniques is important to prevent limb loss in patients with critical limb ischemia, it fails to address the early symptoms of PAD or the systemic cardiovascular risks associated with PAD. The management of PAD incorporates aggressive lifestyle modification and comprehensive medical therapy aimed at reducing systemic cardiovascular risk, preventing limb-related events, and improving quality of life and functional capacity.