Peripheral Arterial Disease
A complex problem requiring a holistic approach
Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes are the two primary risk factors for peripheral arterial disease. With a rising incidence of diabetes in our population, the rates of peripheral arterial disease are on the rise.
With a steady buildup of atherosclerotic plaque in the peripheral vasculature, individuals with this disease may develop symptoms of claudication, which refers to repetitive pain or cramping in the calves, thighs, or buttocks after walking a set distance.
In a small percentage of these individuals, the symptoms progress to critical limb ischemia, involving rest pain or night pain. At this stage, there is a risk of limb loss and amputation. In the most advanced stages, individuals may develop gangrene and tissue loss; at this stage, the risk of limb loss is quite significant.
Management of this serious condition involves a multi-system based approach with smoking cessation, chronic management of diabetes and other related medical conditions, as well as potential surgical interventions in the form of endovascular balloon angioplasty and stenting to major open bypass operations.
