Claudication

Question 1

Where does claudication often occur?

Answer 1

In the calf –> presents as calf pain

Question 2

How does claudication arise?

Answer 2

Atherosclerosis can cause narrowing of other blood vessels throughout the body apart from the coronary arteries including peripheral arteries causing ischaemic pain in the legs.

Question 3

When is calf pain generally felt?

Answer 3

During exertion–> particularly when walking uphill

Question 4

What type of pain is cludication? [Quality]

Answer 4

Cramping pain –> known as intermittent claudication as it arises with exertion and subsides with rest

Question 5

How is severity of claudication measured?

Answer 5

by the distance that the patient can walk before developing the pain

Question 6

What are risk factors for claudication?

Answer 6

Peripheral artery disease has similar risk factors as coronary artery disease

Question 7

What vessels are generally occluded during claudication?

Answer 7

Popliteal artery –> painful calves, parasthesia/pale calves, weakness/cold/no distal pulses

Question 8

How would you ask about a family history?

Answer 8

SIGNPOST FIRST!!!

• Are you parents still alive?
• Do you know how they died?
• Could you tell me about the health of your immediate family?
• Be apologetic about deaths!!!

Question 9

How would you redirect an interview if the patient was going off topic?

Answer 9

• I would love to get back to that, but I would just like to ask you a bit more about your pain…
• Thats very interesting to know….