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. 2006 Dec 5;25(1):3–10. doi: 10.1002/clc.4950250103

The significance of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease

Robert S Dieter 1,✉, William W Chu 1, John P Pacanowski 2, Patrick E McBride 1, Timothy E Tanke 1
PMCID: PMC6654368  PMID: 11808837

Abstract

The role of the cardiologist is expanding and involves the management of patients with lower extremity atherosclerotic occlusive arterial disease. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) remains an underdiagnosed and undertreated disease. The purpose of this review is to educate the clinician on the significance of lower extremity atherosclerotic occlusive arterial disease. Pathophysiology and anatomy are briefly reviewed. The definition of PAD is based upon both anatomic and functional considerations. Risk factors for PAD include traditional atherosclerotic risk factors. There is a considerable overlap between coronary and cerebrovascular diseases and PAD. Diagnosis is made mainly by history and physical examination. Noninvasive and invasive tests help diagnosis and localize disease. Expanded therapies to improve outcomes include lifestyle changes, medical treatment, interventional cardiovascular procedures, or surgical intervention.

Keywords: atherosclerosis, peripheral arterial disease, morbidity, mortality, lower extremity, occlusive arterial disease, review, intermittent claudication, prognosis

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