Rest pain represents a significant turning point in the progression of PAOD and indicates a high risk for limb loss. Other predictors for PAOD and for major amputation include advanced age, diabetes mellitus, male sex, and smoking.
Because atherosclerosis is a systemic disease process, patients who present with claudication owing to PAOD may have atherosclerosis in other locations. A full assessment of the patient's risk factors for vascular disease should be performed. These risk factors are the same as those for CAD or cerebrovascular disease, with smoking primary among them. In addition, renal insufficiency has been associated with the development of PAOD.
Of note, because PAOD is a marker for systemic atherosclerosis, giving the diagnosis of PAOD in asymptomatic patients has a significant clinical impact. Patients with PAOD have an equivalent cardiovascular risk to patients with previous myocardial infarction and need active behavioral modification to improve their long-term survival.
Learn more about the presentation of PAOD.
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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: Arnold S. Baas. Fast Five Quiz: Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease Signs and Symptoms - Medscape - May 17, 2022.
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