Principles of angiology in lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD)

Abstract

Lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) is afrequent manifestation of atherosclerosis with ahigh risk for cardiovascular events. The measurement of the ankle-brachial index (ABI) should be used as ascreening method for LEAD. A differentiation is made between a stable stage of intermittent claudication and the stage of critical limb ischemia. The control of cardiovascular risk factors is crucial. Particular emphasis should be placed on smoking cessation and lipid-lowering treatment with statins and a target low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol level of <55 mg/dl as a core element. In patients with symptomatic LEAD an inhibition of platelet aggregation is indicated. In addition to treatment with clopidogrel 75 mg or with acetylsalicylic acid (ASS) 100 mg in high risk patients the combination of ASS 100 mg and rivaroxaban 2 × 2.5 mg can be indicated. In critical limb ischemia revascularization (percutaneous intervention, operation) is always indicated to prevent amputation. First-line treatment in patients with intermittent claudication is exercise training. Revascularization can be indicated in patients with asevere limitation of walking distance.