Impaired Peripheral Circulation in Veterans with Claudication is Associated with Smoking

Peripheralartery disease (PAD) is prevalent in eight million men and women in the United States and in more than 12% of community dwelling people aged 65 years and older. PAD is associated with increased prevalence of coexisting diseases in the coronary, cerebral, and renal arteries. More than 60% of those with PAD have concomitantcardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular disease thereby contributing to their elevated rates of cardiovascular mortality. 

The cost associated with PAD is comparable to, if not higher than cardiac dysrhythmias, congestive heart failure and cerebrovascular disease, averaging $3.9 billion for total Medicare paid PAD-related care annually. Many of those with PAD are physically limited by ambulatory leg pain, resulting in ambulatory dysfunction, impaired physical function lower physical activity levels and even worse health-related quality of life scores than in individuals with coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure. Furthermore, PAD patients have increased rates of functional decline and mobility loss compared to those without PAD. Read more.................