Abstract
A common sign of generalized atherosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease (PVD) occurs as a result of arterial narrowing or obstruction that restricts blood flow to distal tissues. Prevalence of PVD ranges from 3% in patients age > 55, to 11% in patients age > 65, to 20% in those age 75 and older. Cerebrovascular/carotid disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and peripheral arterial occlusive disease are the most common peripheral vasculopathies seen by primary care physicians. All require aggressive medical management to prevent potentially serious complications and may require referral to vascular surgeons for evaluation. Prevention remains the best therapy.
MeSH terms
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Age Distribution
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Aged
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Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
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Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / diagnosis*
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Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / epidemiology
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Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / therapy*
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Arterial Occlusive Diseases / diagnosis*
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Arterial Occlusive Diseases / epidemiology
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Arterial Occlusive Diseases / therapy*
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Blood Flow Velocity
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Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation
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Cerebrovascular Disorders / diagnosis*
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Cerebrovascular Disorders / epidemiology
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Cerebrovascular Disorders / therapy*
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Endarterectomy, Carotid
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Humans
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Incidence
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Life Style
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Patient Selection
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Peripheral Vascular Diseases / diagnosis*
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Peripheral Vascular Diseases / epidemiology
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Peripheral Vascular Diseases / therapy*
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Prevalence
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Primary Health Care / methods
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Referral and Consultation
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Risk Factors
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Stents
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United States / epidemiology
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Vasodilator Agents / therapeutic use
Substances
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Anticoagulants
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Vasodilator Agents