Claudication

Question 1

What is it

Answer 1

Muscle pain or cramping, usually legs
Caused by insufficient blood flow during exercise due to blocked or narrow arteries

Question 2

Features

Answer 2

Pain or cramping in leg muscles
Pain occurs with activity
Cold weather
Reduced pulses in affected limb
paleness

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

1% - 3% of population over 40
Slightly more Males
Higher risk with cardiovascular disease

Question 4

Age

Answer 4

50+
Younger - possibly due to diabetes or smoking

Question 5

Risk/ cause

Answer 5

Smoking - contributing to atherosclerosis
Diabetes - vascular damage & blood flow issues
Obesity
Sedentary life
history of cardiovascular disease

Question 6

Presentation

Answer 6

Intermittent pain or cramping - activity
Cold or pale skin - affected limb
Poor healing
Muscle weakness

Question 7

Prognosis

Answer 7

Lifestyle modifications e,g diet, reduce alcohol, exercise therapy, quit smoking

Meds - statins (lower cholesterol), Anti platelet agents