Key Articles and Guidelines in the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects approximately 8 million people in the United States, with less than half of these patients experiencing symptoms. The frequent asymptomatic presentation, combined with a lack of disease awareness by patients and health care practitioners, may result in missed diagnoses and inadequate treatment. Clinicians should recognize PAD as a marker of systemic atherosclerosis and appreciate the increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. Furthermore, intermittent claudication can significantly affect the quality of life of patients with acute and chronic leg ischemia. Consequently, a comprehensive treatment approach is needed, targeting both cardiovascular risk reduction and treatment of claudication pain. Although peripheral atherosclerosis can affect arterial beds throughout the body, our focus is on the key articles and guidelines addressing lower limb disease. We hope this compilation will serve as a resource for pharmacists, physicians, nurses, residents, and students responsible for the care of patients with PAD.