THE MEDICAL-TREATMENT OF PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH INTERMITTENT CLAUDICATION SECONDARY TO ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Peripheral vascular disease affects a large number of elderly people b ut is symptomatic in only a few cases. Most of these will not be consi dered for surgical or radiological revascularisation procedures unless their disease affects the suprainguinal vessels. The traditional advi ce to stop smoking and keep walking is important but, in addition, tho ught should be given to the secondary prevention of cardiovascular dis ease in these patients. Thorough assessment and modification of their risk factors, including their lipid status, should be performed and as pirin should be prescribed to all patients who can tolerate it.