Title: Navigating the Narrow Path: Recognize Earlier, Reduce Risk, and Prevent Limb Loss in Peripheral Artery Disease Objectives: Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to: 1. Recognize clinical risk factors, typical and atypical presentations, and examination findings that should raise suspicion for peripheral artery disease (PAD). 2. Select appropriate patients for ankle-brachial index (ABI) testing and interpret ABI results to support PAD diagnosis and determine appropriate next steps in evaluation. 3. Develop evidence-based initial management plans for patients with PAD that incorporate smoking cessation, structured exercise therapy, lipid-lowering therapy, antithrombotic therapy, and comprehensive cardiovascular risk reduction. 4. Identify patient-, system-, and community-level barriers that contribute to disparities in PAD diagnosis, treatment, and limb outcomes, and apply practical strategies to improve access to evidence-based care. Summary: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis associated with substantial cardiovascular morbidity, functional impairment, and risk of limb loss. Despite its clinical significance, PAD is frequently underrecognized in primary care, particularly in patients with atypical symptoms and reduced functional capacity. Delayed recognition can result in missed opportunities for cardiovascular risk reduction and increase the risk of progressive limb ischemia and amputation. This CME session will explore clinical risk factors and examination findings that should prompt suspicion for PAD, the appropriate use and interpretation of ankle-brachial index testing, and the application of guideline-directed management, including smoking cessation, lipid-lowering and antithrombotic therapy, structured exercise, and preventive foot care. Social and structural barriers that influence access to diagnostic testing, medications, preventive services, and specialty care will also be examined. Emphasis will be placed on translating current evidence into feasible, patient-centered strategies to detect PAD earlier, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve limb outcomes.
Title: Navigating the Narrow Path: Recognize Earlier, Reduce Risk, and Prevent Limb Loss in Peripheral Artery Disease
Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
1. Recognize clinical risk factors, typical and atypical presentations, and examination findings that should raise suspicion for peripheral artery disease (PAD).
2. Select appropriate patients for ankle-brachial index (ABI) testing and interpret ABI results to support PAD diagnosis and determine appropriate next steps in evaluation.
3. Develop evidence-based initial management plans for patients with PAD that incorporate smoking cessation, structured exercise therapy, lipid-lowering therapy, antithrombotic therapy, and comprehensive cardiovascular risk reduction.
4. Identify patient-, system-, and community-level barriers that contribute to disparities in PAD diagnosis, treatment, and limb outcomes, and apply practical strategies to improve access to evidence-based care.
Summary: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis associated with substantial cardiovascular morbidity, functional impairment, and risk of limb loss. Despite its clinical significance, PAD is frequently underrecognized in primary care, particularly in patients with atypical symptoms and reduced functional capacity. Delayed recognition can result in missed opportunities for cardiovascular risk reduction and increase the risk of progressive limb ischemia and amputation. This CME session will explore clinical risk factors and examination findings that should prompt suspicion for PAD, the appropriate use and interpretation of ankle-brachial index testing, and the application of guideline-directed management, including smoking cessation, lipid-lowering and antithrombotic therapy, structured exercise, and preventive foot care. Social and structural barriers that influence access to diagnostic testing, medications, preventive services, and specialty care will also be examined. Emphasis will be placed on translating current evidence into feasible, patient-centered strategies to detect PAD earlier, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve limb outcomes.
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This guide emphasizes the importance of recognizing Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) as a systemic issue rather than just localized leg pain. It highlights risk factors such as diabetes and smoking, and the need for accurate diagnosis through Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) testing. The document advocates for a team-based approach to care, stressing urgent referrals for critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and the use of WIfI staging to assess wound severity. Ultimately, it aims to prevent...