What is Lower Extremity Ischemia?

Description of the Disease

Lower extremity ischemia is a condition in which the blood supply to the tissues and organs in the lower extremities is disrupted due to inadequate oxygen flow. This is often caused by atherosclerosis or arterial thrombosis.

Classification

• Arterial
• Venous

Symptoms

• Pain in the legs when walking
• Cramping
• Pallor or cyanosis of the skin

Causes

• Atherosclerosis
• Arterial thrombosis

Diagnosis

Diagnostic methods include ultrasound, angiography, and others.

Treatment

Depending on the severity of the disease, conservative treatment (medication, physiotherapy) or surgical intervention (stenting, bypass) may be used.

Prevention

• Healthy lifestyle
• Cholesterol level control
• Thrombosis prevention

Physician

Lower extremity ischemia is treated by an angiologist or vascular surgeon.