[Intermittent claudication].

Patients with intermittent claudication have a high risk of concomitant cardiovascular disease, and their risk factors should be identified and treated. The prognosis for the leg symptoms is relatively benign, as 75% of patients will stabilize or improve. Physical training, perhaps combined with pharmacotherapy, can usually increase walking distance substantially. The patient should be referred to a vascular surgeon for possible endovascular or surgical treatment if the symptoms significantly impair the patient's social life or working ability.