- Atherosclerosis driven by typical RFs most common
- Less commonly related to embolic events, areterial dissection, trauma
- HTN
- Smoking
- Hyperlipidemia
- Known CAD or arterial disease elsewhere
- Aching discomfort in leg/calf that's worse w/activity and better w/rest
- With severe PAD→ aching improves w/dangling legs off table (takes advantage of gravity)
- Progressive ulcers, which affect distal leg most commonly - in particular over lateral malleolus
- At risk for superimposed infection of skin and bone
- Diminished or absent distal pulses (dorsalis pedis and posterior tib)
- Sometimes femoral bruit
- Decreased cap refill
- Feet cool to touch
- Sometimes shallow ulcers first
- At risk for deeper ulcers, infxn/osteomyelitis, and gangrene w/advanced disease