Peripheral Arterial Disease

Question 1

What are the common examination findings?

Answer 1

May have signs suggesting risk factors eg xanthelasma, differences in BP

Lack of pulses

Arterial Ulcers

Amputees

NB Acute limb ischaemia:

• Pale
• Pulseless
• Parasthesia
• Paralysis
• Pain
• Perishingly Cold

Question 2

What are the investigations?

Answer 2

To finish the exam i would like to - Cardiovascular exam ABPI

By the bed - History and obs.

Bloods - FBC, CRP, Lipid profile, U/E, GLUCOSE for diabetes - to see organ damage

Other - ECG, Echo, angiography

Refer to vascular surgeon

Question 3

What are the key investigation findings?

Answer 3

May have signs displaying risk factors or cardiovascular disease

ABPI may be low

Question 4

What is the treatment?

Answer 4

Conservative - Explain what they are and about risk factors. Eg stop smoking and drinking, exercise and weight loss

Medical - Statins, aspirin, blood pressure and diabetic management.

Surgical - Refer to vascular surgeon - May do bypass or amputation

Question 5

What are the risk factors?

Answer 5

Obesity

Smoking

Alcohol

Hyperlipidaemia

Diabetes