What is Atherosclerosis of the Lower Limb Vessels?

Description of the disease

Atherosclerosis of the lower limb vessels is a chronic condition characterized by gradual narrowing of the arteries in the legs due to the buildup of fatty deposits and other substances on the vessel walls.

Classification

• Functional classification: stage 0 (no symptoms), stage 1 (initial manifestations), stage 2 (intermittent claudication), stage 3 (pain at rest), stage 4 (ulcerative form).
• Anatomical classification: sclerotic changes in the arteries of the lower limbs.

Symptoms

• Pain and stiffness in the legs
• Cold legs
• Trophic ulcers on the legs

Causes

Obesity, smoking, high cholesterol levels in the blood, hypertension, diabetes, heredity.

Diagnosis

Ultrasound of the arteries, angiography, duplex scanning.

Treatment

Treatment includes lifestyle changes, medication, physiotherapy, and surgical intervention.

Prevention

Quitting smoking, healthy diet, physical activity, cholesterol level control.

Doctor

Vascular surgeon, angiologist.