PHYSICAL EXERCISE FOR INTERMITTENT CLAUDICATION

Intermittent claudication is caused by peripheral arterial occlusive disease, which is in turn, in most cases, the result of arteriosclerosis. It is a common condition with a poor prognosis. The prophylactic value of physical activity for arteriosclerotic diseases is generally accepted. Regular exercise is also the most effective therapy for intermittent claudication. It leads to a marked increase of walking ability in more than 80% of the patients. The mode of action by which this is achieved is not precisely known. Most likely several factors including haemorheology play a role. Disregarding the undisputable benefit of exercise, drug treatment is more popular in the general practice. Recent findings show that exercise and drug treatment complement each other. Thus both elements should be employed for the benefit of the patient.