The medical treatment of patients presenting with intermittent claudication secondary to atherosclerosis.

Peripheral vascular disease affects a large number of elderly people but is symptomatic in only a few cases. Most of these will not be considered for surgical or radiological revascularisation procedures unless their disease affects the suprainguinal vessels. The traditional advice to stop smoking and keep walking is important but, in addition, thought should be given to the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in these patients. Thorough assessment and modification of their risk factors, including their lipid status, should be performed and aspirin should be prescribed to all patients who can tolerate it.