Abstract

The most common symptom of patients with peripheral arterial disease [PAD] is intermittent claudication. Symptomatic peripheral vascular disease carries at least a 30% risk of death within five years and almost 50% within 10 years, primarily due to myocardial infarction [60%] or stroke [12%]. Lifestyle modification should be an integral component of secondary preventive therapy and complete cessation of tobacco use and regular exercise should be recommended for all patients. Lifestyle changes are also important in addressing / modifying the risk factors for PAD. Intensive pharmacological risk factor modification is another important part of the management of PAD.

Keywords: atherosclerosis, peripheral arterial disease, intermittent claudication, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, thrombosis