Chronic critical limb ischaemia and the diabetic foot

Epidemiology The incidence of critical limb ischaemia in the UK is 50-100 per 100 000 per annum. The cost to the UK health service is estimated at £200 million per annum.

The risk factors for developing critical limb ischaemia are the same as those for general vascular disease, including smoking, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension. Table 17.1 lists some of the important risk factors for the development of critical limb ischaemia, along with their relative risks.