Contemporary medical management of peripheral arterial disease: a focus on risk reduction and symptom relief for intermittent claudication

Abstract

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is primarily caused by progressive systemic atherosclerosis manifesting in the lower extremities. This review addresses the epidemiology, clinical presentation and evaluation, and medical management of PAD, with a focus on intermittent claudication. Key advances in the recognition of cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic individuals with mildly abnormal ankle-brachial index, newer reflections on exercise therapy, and a review of established and investigational agents for the treatment of symptomatic PAD, such as cilostazol, statins, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, are highlighted.

Keywords: Ankle-brachial index; Atherosclerotic risk factors; Cilostazol; Intermittent claudication; Pentoxifylline; Peripheral arterial disease; Supervised exercise therapy.