It is the progressive and chronic obstruction of the arteries that carry the blood supply to the legs and feet.
It is due to fatty plaques (arteriosclerosis) accumulated in the walls of the arteries. Risk factors for arteriosclerosis: age over 65 years, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure and/or hypercholesterolemia.
Most people have no symptoms or mild symptoms. The main symptom is pain or muscle cramps in the legs, especially at the calf level. It appears when walking and disappears at rest. Others: numbness; weakness; cold sensation in the leg or foot; wounds that do not heal due to lack of irrigation; change of color in the skin of the legs; hair loss; slow nail growth; weak pulse in the limb; and erectile dysfunction.
The diagnosis is made by means of the ankle-brachial index, which is suggestive when the ratio is less than 0.8. Doppler ultrasound of the lower limbs, arteriography or CT angiography are other common tests.
Treatment aims to improve circulation in the legs and prevent ulcers and gangrene. It is recommended to exercise; take care of feet to avoid wounds by keeping them clean and well hydrated, with well-cut nails; use comfortable, seamless footwear; avoid compression stockings/tights. Control cardiovascular risk factors. In severe cases, angioplasty and/or surgery may be necessary to restore blood circulation to the limb.
Because arteriosclerosis is a generalized disease affecting several body territories, these patients are at higher risk of acute myocardial infarction and stroke.
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