Robbins J M, Austin C L
Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio.
Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 1993 Apr;10(2):205-19.
Among the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in elderly individuals are the manifestations of the various peripheral vascular diseases. Many chronic degenerative diseases, which begin in middle age, are associated with peripheral vascular disease. Heart disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes are all risk factors for peripheral vascular diseases and also common degenerative conditions in our society. Other risk factors, such as diet, smoking, stress, lack of exercise, and obesity, are also closely associated with peripheral vascular disease. Aging itself is also a risk factor. Appropriate treatment for disease processes such as diabetes and hypertension and control of other preventable risk factors have been shown to reduce the morbidity and mortality seen in peripheral vascular disorders. Our rapidly aging population requires increasing amounts of medical resources, placing an enormous burden on society because the aged population are generally more dependent upon government-sponsored health care services. The podiatric practitioner is in a position as a primary care provider to influence the health practices of our aging population. The implementation of a health practice that stresses prevention and wellness as well as the appropriate management and a referral of patients with peripheral vascular disorders will limit the morbid results of peripheral vascular diseases.
在老年人发病和死亡的最常见原因中，各种外周血管疾病的表现位列其中。许多始于中年的慢性退行性疾病都与外周血管疾病有关。心脏病、高血压、高脂血症和糖尿病都是外周血管疾病的危险因素，也是我们社会中常见的退行性疾病。其他危险因素，如饮食、吸烟、压力、缺乏运动和肥胖，也与外周血管疾病密切相关。衰老本身也是一个危险因素。对糖尿病和高血压等疾病进程进行适当治疗，并控制其他可预防的危险因素，已被证明可以降低外周血管疾病的发病率和死亡率。我们迅速老龄化的人口需要越来越多的医疗资源，给社会带来了巨大负担，因为老年人口通常更依赖政府资助的医疗服务。足病医生作为初级保健提供者，有能力影响我们老年人口的健康行为。实施强调预防和健康以及对外周血管疾病患者进行适当管理和转诊的健康行为，将限制外周血管疾病的不良后果。
