Committed to Care
Information
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Circulation in the extremities and overall cardiovascular risk.
01What is peripheral artery disease?+
It is an atherosclerotic disease of the arteries outside the heart, most often the arteries of the lower extremities.
02What is intermittent claudication?+
It is pain or discomfort, usually in the legs, that occurs when walking and subsides with rest.
03Why is it also about the heart?+
Because atherosclerosis is a systemic disease.
The presence of peripheral arterial disease is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis in other vascular areas as well.
04Who is most at risk?+
The risk increases especially with smoking, diabetes, hypertension, elevated LDL and older age.
05What role do smoking, LDL and diabetes play?+
They are among the most important modifiable risk factors and their treatment is a key part of treatment.
06How is the diagnosis made?+
It begins with history, clinical examination and, when necessary, special vascular measurements or imaging.
07What is the hammertoe index?+
It compares the blood pressure in the lower extremities to the pressure in the upper extremities and can help identify peripheral arterial disease.
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Every person has a different history. The right answer starts with personal assessment.