PHAR3911 - Peripheral Artery Disease

what is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

Atherosclerosis of limb arteries

increases CV risk

what are the modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors of PAD?

modifiable: smoking, diabetes, BP, cholesterol

non-modifiable: age, male, race (non-white higher)

what is the Tx approach for PAD when it's asymptomatic, extensive atherosclerosis, thrombectomy, or thromboembolism?

anti-platelet therapy

1. asymptomatic = aspirin or clopidogrel

2. if extensive atherosclerosis = aspirin + low intensity rivaroxaban 2.5mg bd (GI bleeding risk)

3. thrombectomy = aspirin + clopidogrel (long term just aspirin)

4. if thromoembolism occurs = anticoagulant therapy for 3m holding antiplatelet