Chapter 2: Vascular Risk Factors and Their Management

The following sections are included:

• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an under-diagnosed, under-treated condition and its prevalence is increasing.

• Patients with PAD have a cardiovascular risk profile equivalent to or worse than those with coronary or cerebrovascular disease.

• PAD patients with concomitant symptomatic cardiac or cerebrovascular disease, diabetes or a low ankle pressure index are at even higher risk of sustaining a vascular event.

• Patients with PAD should receive the same risk factor management as patients with other cardiovascular diseases.

• Patient awareness of the need for cardiovascular secondary prevention therapy in PAD is low.

• All PAD patients should be prescribed antiplatelet (clopidogrel preferably, if not on an anticoagulant) and statin, if tolerated.