About the book

Peripheral artery disease affects around 15% of the Western population over 50 years old. It is most commonly due to atherosclerosis, where an atherosclerotic plaque causes arterial stenosis or occlusion. This results in a reduction in blood flow to the affected limb. Most patients are asymptomatic, but many experience intermittent claudications (pain on walking). Critical limb ischemia occurs when the reduction in blood flow is so severe that it causes pain on rest or tissue loss (ulceration or gangrene).
Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease. Some 60% of patients with peripheral artery disease will have ischaemic heart disease, and 30% have cerebrovascular disease. Within five years of diagnosis, 10-15% of patients with intermittent claudication will die from cardiovascular disease. Therefore, management begins with the identification and modification of risk factors that are common to peripheral artery disease, heart disease, and stroke. Treatment goals include reducing cardiovascular risk and improving functional capacity. Revascularization is indicated for persistent symptoms.
The main objective of the book is to deal with peripheral arterial disease in the most diverse aspects. Addressing issues such as pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, clinical aspects, treatment, and prognosis.