Claudication

Claudication most commonly describes pain in the legs with walking or, more commonly, when climbing stairs or hills.

Claudication is a symptom which most commonly is pain or cramping secondary to blockages in an artery.

Symptoms

• Symptoms may vary, however patients usually complain of a burning pain or cramping in muscles in the affected limb.
• Over time, and with progressive blockage in the arteries, you may notice decreased hair growth over that extremity.
• The skin may appear pale and in the worst cases, the skin may break down and form sores or ulcers.

Diagnostic Tests

• Feeling for reduced pulses
• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): Measuring blood pressure in the ankles and comparing it to the blood pressure in the arms

Treatment

• Blood pressure medications (example - metoprolol, lisinopril)
• Cholesterol medications (example - statins [atorvastatin])
• Aspirin and/or clopidogrel (Plavix)
• Occasionally stents
• Occasionally surgery to remove the blockage in the artery (endarterectomy)
• Cardiac Catheterization Animation
• Coronary Angioplasty Animation

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For Additional Information

• Cardiovascular Disorders
• Managing Heart Disease