10. Vascular disease

Question 1

Peripheral vascular disease

Answer 1

There are two types peripheral arterial disease and vasoplastic

• Peripheral arterial disease or “Occlusive”:
  where atherosclerosis narrows the peripheral arteries in the limbs. Notably causes leg pains or aches as the leg pains ae not recieving enough oxygen
• Vasoplastic:
  where blood vessels temporarily spasms, which restricts blood supply. Commonly to the fingers and toes

Question 2

Peripheral arterial disease treatment

Answer 2

Patients will requre secondary prevention:

high intensity statin +low-dose aspirin

Question 3

Vasoplastic peripheral vascular disease treatment

Answer 3

Avoid triggers like smoking, cold and stress

May require a calcium-channel blocker to open up the blood vessels, e.g nifedipine