ABSTRACT
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a prevalent disease estimated to be present in about 12% of the US population or about 8 to10 million persons.1,2 The most common symptom of atherosclerotic PAD is intermittent claudication (IC). Defined as cramping, aching, fatigue, or discomfort that occurs in the muscles of the calves, thighs, or buttocks, IC is reproducibly elicited by walking and consistently relieved by rest. The symptom of IC is estimated to be present in 4 to 5 million persons in the United States. This chapter focuses on the diagnosis and management of the patient with IC. A brief discussion of risk reduction is included, as it is imperative that all patients with PAD be treated to reduce the cardiovascular ischemic risk at the same time that IC is being assessed and treated. Importantly, patients with PAD are often undertreated with antiplatelet agents.
