Summary

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects more than 8 million adults in the United States, many of whom have one or more coinciding cardiovascular disease risk factors [D Lloyd-Jones. Circulation 2010]. It is associated with high mortality rates, poor outcomes, and is often undetected due to a lack of symptoms [Mukherjee D et al. Am J Cardiol 2007; Saw J et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 2006; Aboyans V et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 2005]. This article discusses prognostic and management strategies for this prevalent disease, as well as recent data concerning thoracic aortic aneurysm and various treatment approaches.