ABSTRACT
Much can be done to improve the prognosis and symptoms of patients presenting with peripheral vascular disease through the modification of cardiovascular risk factors. Some risk factors, such as age and family history, are important to the epidemiology of the dis ease but are not modifiable. Several of the most important modifiable/controllable risk factors for the development and progression of vascular disease are listed below: ^ Hypertension is a significant risk factor in stroke, heart failure and ischemic heart
disease. Appropriate identification of secondary causes of hypertension should be made, including that related to renal artery stenosis (discussed on p. 285). Primary hypertension should be appropriately controlled with a medical regimen.
