Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2007
Abstract
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is stenosis or occlusion of peripheral arterial vessels by atherosclerotic plaque. It may present as intermittent claudication, rest pain and impotence. PAD of the lower limbs is the third most important site of atherosclerotic disease after coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. Increasing age, family history, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia and more decisively diabetes are significant risk factors. PAD is a clinical condition that has often been neglected, underdiagnosed, undertreated and has a serious outcome. It may lead to nonhealing wounds, gangrene and amputation of the lower limbs. Hence, early identification of patients at risk of PAD and timely referral to the vascular surgeon in severe cases is crucial.
Keywords
Peripheral arterial disease, Intermittent claudication, Atherosclerotic plaque, Ischaemia, cerebrovascular disease
Divisions
fac_med
Publication Title
Medical Journal of Malaysia
Volume
62
Issue
2
Publisher
Malaysian Medical Association
Additional Information
Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Building, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA