Epidemiology
Etiology
- Atherosclerosis in the aorta and peripheral arteries → insufficient tissue perfusion → PAD
- PAD usually coexists with coronary artery disease. Smoking is one of the most important risk factors for PAD!
Pathophysiology
Clinical features
- Intermittent claudication
- Femoropopliteal disease (most common): typically causes calf claudication
- Aortoiliac disease (Leriche syndrome)
- Level of the aortic bifurcation or bilateral occlusion of the iliac arteries
- Triad of bilateral buttock, hip, or thigh claudication, erectile dysfunction, and absent/diminished femoral pulses
- Worsens upon exertion
- Due to increased oxygen demand
Diagnostics
Treatment