Artery care
Arterial disease usually means narrowing, blockage, weakening, or enlargement of arteries. The clinical importance varies from stable symptoms through to limb, stroke, or aneurysm risk.
Assessment may include pulse examination, ankle-brachial pressure measurements, vascular ultrasound, CT angiography, MR angiography, or review of existing imaging. The investigation is chosen according to the clinical question and the level of risk.
Management may include risk-factor control, medicines, exercise-based treatment, wound care, surveillance, endovascular treatment, or open surgery. The best option depends on symptoms, anatomy, overall health, and the likely balance of benefit and risk.
A suddenly painful, pale, cold, weak, or numb limb is an emergency. In New Zealand, call 111 or attend an emergency department.
Next step
Share the clinical question, relevant history, and any previous imaging so the next step can be planned appropriately.
