Abstract
In peripheral arterial disease there are two major processes at work: (1) obstruction of arteries and (2) formation of collateral circulation. Either damage or repair may become dominant. Collateral circulation means functional repair. Vasodilatation tests, the histamine test, and reactive hyperemia tests are tests of function, and when past vascular damage is estimated by oscillometry or palpation of pulses these tests help to estimate the extent of the collateral circulation. Superimposed abnormal vasoconstriction may confuse the picture. Only by evaluating the circulation from the standpoint of past damage, its extent and location, repair, functional capacity, and superimposed vasomotor tone can the clinical status of each individual patient be entirely appreciated. Various tests of peripheral arterial conditions are important adjuncts to information gained from a complete history and physical examination.
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