Medical management in peripheral arterial disease: a systematic approach to medical therapy.

The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association 2005 Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) emphasize the importance of cardiovascular risk reduction in all patients with PAD as a result of the high likelihood of coexisting atherosclerotic disease of the peripheral, coronary, and cerebral circulations. The guidelines outline the clear and definite role for antiplatelet, lipid-lowering, and antihypertensive drugs as well as adequate diabetic control. All practicing interventional radiologists should be familiar with these practical and useful guidelines, as well as the rationale for use of each of these medications.