Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery guidelines on peripheral artery disease

Abstract

Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and generalized atherosclerosis are at high risk of cardiovascular and limb complications, which affect their quality of life and longevity. Atherosclerotic disease of the lower extremities is associated with high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and for its adequate therapy, it is necessary to treat patient-dependent factors such as changes in lifestyle and physician-dependent factors, such as clinical treatment, endovascular treatment or conventional surgery. The medical approach to peripheral arterial disease is multifaceted and includes as main measures the reduction of cholesterol levels, antithrombotic therapy, blood pressure and diabetes control, and smoking cessation. Adherence to this regimen can reduce limb-related complications (MALE), such as chronic limb-threatening ischemia that can lead to amputation, and systemic complications of atherosclerosis (MACE), such as stroke and myocardial infarction.