Diagnosis and treatment of peripheral arterial disease in general practice

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in the Czech Republic. Peripheral arterial disease caused by the atherosclerotic process and its complications is associated with higher cardiovascular mortality and high morbidity.

The general practitioner plays a key role in identifying risk factors and early stages of the disease. Oscillometric measurement of the ankle index using an automatic device on all four limbs helps identify or assess the severity of the lower limb ischemia and is thus an important contribution to general practice.