Early diagnosis & treatment of peripheral artery disease essential to improve outcomes, reduce amputation risk.

A new joint guideline published in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and proper management of peripheral artery disease (PAD) to prevent amputation and other cardiovascular complications. The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of lower extremity PAD. It highlights the need for a multispecialty care team approach to address risk factor management, foot care, and revascularization. The guideline also acknowledges the disparities in PAD care and outcomes, particularly among under-resourced communities and racial and ethnic populations, and calls for initiatives to improve access to effective treatments. [Extracted from the article]