Conservative therapy and secondary prevention of PAD

Abstract

Today, peripheral artery disease (PAD) is treated with the most modern endovascular and open surgical revascularisation procedures. But the short and long-term success of these interventions is decisively determined by the conservative therapy of PAD, which therefore represents the absolute basic therapy of every PAD. Conservative treatment addresses the "Big Five" of atherosclerosis risk factors: smoking, lack of exercise and overweight, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Despite the knowledge that PAD as a peripheral manifestation of the systemic atherosclerosis needs the same risk factor management as e.g., coronary heart disease, not even every second PAD patient in Germany receives the required therapy. This paper presents the spectrum of both drug and non-drug strategies and focuses on aspects such as platelet inhibition and anticoagulation regimes, lipid-lowering options as well as the benefits and necessity of exercise programs to promote collaterals and improve quality of life by extending the pain-free walking distance. Proven strategies to overcome smoking addiction, use and purpose of vasoactive substances are highlighted as well as the potential risks of diabetic foot syndrome for limb salvage and prevention of wounds.