Lower-extremity Arteriosclerotic Occlusive Disease

Lower-extremity arteriosclerotic occlusive disease (peripheral artery disease) is atherosclerotic stenosis/occlusion of leg arteries, presenting with intermittent claudication, rest pain, ischemic ulcers, or gangrene. Treatment: supervised exercise therapy; smoking cessation; antiplatelet (aspirin/clopidogrel); statin; cilostazol for claudication; control BP/diabetes; revascularization (angioplasty/stenting/bypass) for critical limb ischemia (rest pain/ulcer/gangrene); wound care; foot care.

Common Symptoms

Intermittent claudication; rest pain; ischemic ulcer/gangrene; diminished pulses; by Rutherford category

Causes and Pathogenesis

Atherosclerosis narrows leg arteries, causing intermittent/chronic limb ischemia.

Treatment

Exercise/smoking cessation; antiplatelet/statin; cilostazol; revascularization for critical ischemia; wound care

Preventive Measures

No smoking; control BP/lipids/DM; foot care; antiplatelet/statin.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Vascular-surgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.