Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis where, typically, atherosclerotic plaque formation in arteries to the legs results in a decrease in limb blood flow. Symptomatically, this manifests as pain in the lower limbs upon exertion and/or at rest depending on the severity of the occlusion. Symptomatic PAD is prevalent in the elderly population and puts patients at a significantly higher risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. Those with asymptomatic PAD (up to 75% of PAD cases), which may be as prevalent as 10-15% of the adult population, are at higher risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality (for reviews see Hackam et al. 2005; Chi & Jaff, 2008). PAD is one of many current, urgent health problems and given risk factors that include age, diabetes mellitus, smoking, hypertension and hyperlipidemia, a higher prevalence of PAD is predicted for the future. Interventions currently employed to ease the symptoms of PAD include surgical and pharmacological options as well as a recommendation for lifestyle changes, in terms of both diet and activity.
展开▼
