ABC of antithrombotic therapy Antithrombotic therapy in peripheral vascular disease

摘要

Atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease is symptomatic as intermittent claudication in 2-3% of men and 1-2 % of women aged over 60 years. However, the prevalence of asymptomatic peripheral vascular disease, generally shown by a reduced ankle to brachial systolic pressure index, is three to four times greater. Peripheral vascular disease is also a significant cause of hospital admission, and is an important predicator of cardiovascular mortality. Pain at rest and critical ischaemia are usually the result of progression of atherosclerotic disease, leading to multilevel arterial occlusion. Other causes of arterial insufficiency―including fibromuscular dysplasia, inflammatory conditions, and congenital malformations―are much rarer. Therapeutic objectives in peripheral vascular disease include relieving symptoms and preventing the disease, and any associated events, progressing.