Clinical assessment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease and various classifications

Abstract

With an ageing population and increasing prevalence of risk factors like diabetes mellitus, there is a worldwide increase in the prevalence and incidence of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). Risk factors for PAOD include, among others, smoking, diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. Early diagnosis and management are essential to reduce the risk of amputation and cardiovascular mortality. Keeping up with improved diagnostic and interventional capabilities, different classification systems have evolved over the years to assess the severity, guide treatment strategies and predict the outcomes.