[Pathogenesis of chronic ischemia of the lower extremities in patients of advanced ages].

Peripheral artery disease can be most frequently observed at elderly and senile age. Aging, development of atherosclerosis and propensity to thrombosis are closely interconnected. The age of 50-70 years is the most critical to developing vascular insufficiency. The basic risk factors are smoking, arterial hypertension, male sex, genetic and alimentary infringements, diabetes and obesity. Chronic arterial insufficiency displays system character of atherosclerosis in elderly patients. The arterial diseases resulting in a chronic ischemia of legs are one of the widespread pathological processes considerably accelerating aging, reducing longevity and quality of a life in elderly and senile patients.