In discussing therapy for PAD, it is important to remember that this population historically is under-diagnosed and under-treated. Patients with PAD are treated less frequently with guideline recommended therapies than those with CAD.
Education and awareness are important aspects of optimizing treatment. Patients and their family members must understand the risks of MACE and MALE and the effects of the recommended therapies. And clinicians must use those therapies as indicated. Clinicians should make sure to re-assess risk, continue education, and reinforce the importance of therapies at each visit.
These modules have been constructed to aid in therapeutic decision-making for PAD. A summary figure which encapsulates this information is shown below.
