Peripheral artery disease – necessary steps for keeping us walking

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a consequence of the atherosclerosis of large arteries located distal to aortic arch. The most common symptom is intermittent claudication. The most commonly used screening tool of BAP in primary care is the ankle-brachial index (ABI), especially recommended for patients older than 70 years or between 50-69 years, if they are diabetics or smokers. Management of PAD include smoking cessation, exercise, treatment with statins, antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel, possibly cilostazol in patients without heart failure. Surgery is recommended for patients who do not respond to drug therapy.