Relevant Physiology

Etiology + Pathogenesis

• CVD - Atherosclerosis of the peripheral artery
• Adaptation: developing collaterals (exercise = trigger)

Prognosis

• High mortality → 6x increased of CAD → often the cause of death
• Low risk of !CLI - Critical Limb Ischemia (6Ps, 6h) (limb risk)
• 2 futures
  • “Chronic PAD” - non-progressive, have a blockage for a long time but have either not symptoms or only claudication
  • “Acute on Chronic / progressive chronic disease” - starting with stable blockage, without life style modification, developing into CLI as the collateral dies off

Classifications

• Severity based on Ankle-Brachal Index (ABI)

Presentation

Signs and Symptoms

• Claudication
• Bilateral diminished pauses (Acute - often unilateral)
• !CLI - Critical Limb Ischemia (6Ps, 6h)

Risk factors

• Vascular Risk Factors

Investigations