Lower extremity ischemia. Interventions to preserve quality of life

Primary care physicians play a key role in the diagnosis and management of peripheral vascular disease, the evaluation of which should include history taking, physical examination, determination of ankle-brachial index, and ultrasound study in the noninvasive vascular laboratory. Patients with peripheral vascular disease are best served by a team consisting of primary care physician, interventional radiologist, and vascular surgeon. Together they help the patient make decisions regarding noninvasive management strategies versus angiography and subsequent percutaneous or surgical treatment. Regular follow-up promotes the best long-term outlook for patients with peripheral vascular disease.