Peripheral artery disease

Topic: Medical-surgical

Narrowing of the arteries to the limbs, usually the legs, by atherosclerosis; smoking and diabetes are major risk factors. The classic symptom is intermittent claudication: calf pain on walking that rest relieves. Advanced disease brings rest pain, weak or absent pulses, cool, pale, hairless skin and painful ulcers on the toes; an ankle-brachial index below 0.90 supports the diagnosis. Assess pulses and skin, keep the legs level or slightly dependent rather than elevated, and support walking exercise, foot care and smoking cessation.

Also known as:

PAD, Peripheral arterial disease, Arterial insufficiency

In Turkish:

Periferik arter hastalığı