(p. 749) Peripheral vascular disease in older adults: diagnostic and treatment considerations 

Peripheral vascular disease, or peripheral arterial disease (PAD), is a common condition, particularly prevalent in the older adult population. The condition is caused by narrowing of the arteries, which causes numerous signs and symptoms, usually affecting the lower limb. The sequelae of PAD can lead to difficulty mobilizing, ulceration, and the need for intervention. As the general population is living longer, general practitioners and care of the elderly physicians are increasingly caring for older adults with PAD. The diagnostic principles and treatment considerations in older adults with PAD are similar to those for the general population, although additional attention must be paid to several factors including fitness for intervention, medications, mobility, and quality of life. These factors cause a significant burden to patients in terms of their quality of life. In this chapter we discuss PAD with resect to its history, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment modalities.