Pharmacotherapy for Lower-Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic disease whose pathogenesis results in decreased arterial perfusion to the lower extremities. Patients with PAD are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, limb amputation, and death. Despite its high prevalence and associated complications, PAD is often underrecognized, underdiagnosed, and undertreated. Treatment for PAD includes lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and surgical interventions to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events and major adverse limb events. Therapies for PAD include antiplatelet and antithrombotic agents, lipid-lowering agents, antihypertensives, smoking cessation, and glycemic control. With collaborative-practice agreements in place, clinical pharmacists can provide pharmacotherapy management to improve control of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and hyperlipidemia in their patients.