Assessment of peripheral arterial disease.

Atherosclerosis is epidemic in our community. Symptomatic peripheral arterial disease affects five to seven per cent of the population by retiring age. The major risk factors are smoking, high blood lipids and diabetes. A clinical history and examination of the peripheral pulses will precisely define the atherosclerotic occlusive lesions. Arteriography is only used as a preoperative measure in those patients requiring reconstructive vascular surgery.