Peripheral Arterial Disease: Diagnosis And Management

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) was a prevalent but often underdiagnosed condition with significant morbidity and mortality, affecting about 8 million Americans. It shared risk factors with other atherosclerotic diseases, such as tobacco use, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia. Diagnosis could be achieved through noninvasive tests like the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI), and management included lifestyle changes, tobacco cessation, and supervised exercise. Medications like cilostazol improved walking distances in patients with intermittent claudication, while ACE inhibitors and antiplatelet therapy enhanced cardiovascular outcomes. Revascularization was recommended for critical limb ischemia or lifestyle-limiting claudication. The document emphasized comprehensive management strategies, including diabetes and hypertension control, to improve outcomes and reduce mortality.