Peripheral vascular disease therapies

Peripheral vascular disease therapies

Peripheral vascular disease therapies

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PVD Overview - Taming the Pipes

  • Pathophysiology: Atherosclerosis narrows peripheral arteries, primarily in the lower extremities, leading to ↓ blood flow.
  • Presentation:
    • Intermittent Claudication: Muscle pain/cramping with exertion, relieved by rest.
    • Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI): Rest pain, non-healing ulcers, or gangrene. Requires urgent intervention.
  • Diagnosis:
    • Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): Key non-invasive test.
      • Normal: 1.0-1.4
      • PVD: <0.9
      • Severe: <0.4

Peripheral Artery Disease: Narrowed and Blocked Artery

Cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, is a key drug for symptomatic relief of claudication but is contraindicated in heart failure.

Antiplatelets & Statins - Plaque Patrol

  • Aspirin
    • Irreversibly inhibits COX-1 & COX-2, leading to ↓ Thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂) and reduced platelet aggregation.
    • Dose: 81-325 mg daily.
  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
    • Irreversibly blocks the P2Y₁₂ ADP receptor on platelets, preventing activation of GPIIb/IIIa receptors.
    • Often used in dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin, especially post-stenting.
  • Cilostazol
    • Phosphodiesterase III inhibitor; ↑ cAMP causes vasodilation and reversible inhibition of platelet aggregation.
    • Primary indication: intermittent claudication.
  • Statins (e.g., Atorvastatin)
    • HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.
    • ↓ LDL, stabilize atherosclerotic plaques, and have pleiotropic anti-inflammatory effects.

High-Yield: Cilostazol is contraindicated in any patient with heart failure due to increased mortality risk.

Statins: Anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms

Claudication Agents - Walking Tall

  • Cilostazol

    • Mechanism: Phosphodiesterase-3 (PDE-3) inhibitor. ↑cAMP in platelets & vascular smooth muscle.
    • Effects: Potent arterial vasodilation (esp. femoral) & reversible inhibition of platelet aggregation.
    • Primary use: Symptomatic management of intermittent claudication to improve walking distance.
    • 📌 Cilo-STAY-zol helps you STAY on the walking trail.
  • Pentoxifylline

    • Mechanism: A methylxanthine derivative; improves erythrocyte flexibility and decreases blood viscosity.
    • Efficacy: Generally considered less effective than cilostazol; not a primary therapy.

Cilostazol: Mechanism of Action in Peripheral Artery Disease

Contraindication: Cilostazol is contraindicated in patients with heart failure of any severity due to an observed ↑mortality with other PDE-3 inhibitors in this population.

Treatment Algorithm - The Game Plan

  • Foundation: Lifestyle modification (smoking cessation, graded exercise) & aggressive risk factor control (statins, BP/glucose management).
  • Symptomatic Relief: Add specific pharmacotherapy for claudication.

Peripheral vascular disease and ischemia

Cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, not only improves claudication symptoms but also causes arterial vasodilation. However, it is contraindicated in heart failure due to arrhythmogenic potential.

  • Cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor, is a primary therapy for intermittent claudication, offering vasodilation and antiplatelet effects.
  • Aspirin or clopidogrel are crucial for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in all patients with PAD.
  • Statins are essential to manage the underlying atherosclerosis and reduce cardiovascular risk, regardless of cholesterol levels.
  • ACE inhibitors or ARBs manage co-existing hypertension and may have direct vascular benefits.

Practice Questions: Peripheral vascular disease therapies

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 67-year-old man comes to the office due to pain in the lower part of his calves on his afternoon walk to get the mail. The pain is relieved by rest. It started slowly about 6 months ago and has become more painful over time. He has a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and a 20-pack-year smoking history. Medications include hydrochlorothiazide, atorvastatin, metformin, and a multivitamin that he takes daily. The patient quit smoking 2 years ago and only drinks socially. Today, his blood pressure is 145/90 mm Hg, pulse is 75/min, respiratory rate is 17/min, and temperature is 37.6°C (99.6°F). On physical exam, he appears mildly obese and healthy. His heart has a regular rate and rhythm, and his lungs are clear to auscultation bilaterally. Examination of the legs shows atrophic changes and diminished pedal pulses. A measure of his ankle brachial index (ABI) is 0.89. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment?

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Flashcards: Peripheral vascular disease therapies

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Dyslipidemia drugs _____ are the only lipid-lowering drugs consistently proven to reduce risk of atherosclerotic heart disease

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Dyslipidemia drugs _____ are the only lipid-lowering drugs consistently proven to reduce risk of atherosclerotic heart disease

Statins

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