Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an occlusive vascular condition that
affects up to 15% of the population with patients typically exhibiting reduced peripheral blood flow, decreased walking ability and poor quality of life. 3 Peripheral artery disease is circulatory problem associated with pain in the limbs due to reduced blood flow as a result of blocked or narrowed artery passage. For this student project, we are talking about claudication. Claudication is referred to the pain that occurs due to decreased blood flow. This is a typical symptom of peripheral artery disease that usually occurs while walking. 2 There are several types of claudication namely intermittent vascular claudication, neurogenic claudication and jaw claudication. For this student project, we will be focusing on intermittent vascular claudication.3
ETIOLOGY
Intermittent claudication results from the blockage of arteries. As a result,
atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of claudication.1
RISK FACTORS
There are several risk factors associated with intermittent claudication.
These risk factors include diet consisting of high amounts of cholesterol and saturated fat and sodium together with low levels of fibre and folate. 2, 3 Inadequate lifestyle also increases the risk of contracting intermittent claudication. These include lack of exercise and incorrect eating habits. Smoking is also associated with increased risk of peripheral artery disease.3 As a result, claudication is the symptom of blockage of the peripheral arteries.
1. Hamburg N, Creager M. Pathophysiology of Intermittent Claudication in
Peripheral Artery Disease. Circulation Journal. 2017;81(3):281-289. 2. Preu A, Schaafs L, Werncke T, Steffen I, Hamm B, Elgeti T. Run-Off Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) for Discriminating the Underlying Causes of Intermittent Claudication. PLOS ONE. 2016;11(4):e0152780. 3. Leicht A, Crowther R, Golledge J. Influence of Regular Exercise on Body Fat and Eating Patterns of Patients with Intermittent Claudication. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2015;16(5):11339-11354.