Claudication: A Teachable Moment or Missed Opportunity!

Abstract

Claudication is a common manifestation of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and atherosclerosis. Patients with claudication are at increased risk of cardiovascular events and limb-related complications. Optimal medical therapy is effective in relieving patient's symptoms and reducing their risk of cardiovascular events.Case: A 54-year-old male with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, tobacco use and sedentary lifestyle presented with left lower extremity exertional pain. Lower extremity segmental arterial study was consistent with the presence of Lower extremity arterial disease. He was managed medically with resolution of his claudication symptoms and improvement of his segmental study. Conclusion:Medical management of patients with claudication is extremely effective and should be provided to all patients with claudication, even those who undergo revascularization to reduce their risk of cardiovascular events, improve their claudication symptoms and general health.