Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common component of the age-related multimorbidity. The aim of our clinical study was to determine special features of the disease in the elderly, so to derive consequences for choice of treatment options. Data and findings of 325 PAD patients were analysed by use of statistical methods. The manifestation of PAD in women occurred at a higher age levels than that of men. According to age an incidence increases of advanced stages, an more distal localisation was observed. In older patients an increase of diabetes was detected especially in women. Coprevalent coronary artery disease increased with age, where as 68 % of the patients were affected, in 64 % of the patients signs of carotid atherosclerosis were detected by means of duplex sonography. In older patients with PAD there is a need for a modified therapy strategy in order to maintain mobility and quality of life, to avoid local complications, to reduce high cardiovascular mortality. |