Approccio Polispecialistico e prevenzione dell'arteriopatia arteriosclerotica

Multidisciplinary Approach and Preventive Treatment in Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease - Peripheral Vascular Disease causing intermittent claudication is an increasing cause of disability in the elderly; while Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases are leading causes of mortality and permanent disability. Since the number of elderly persons over recent years has consistently grown, these serious diseases can be expected to increase considerably. Purpose of this paper is to identify a diagnosis and treatment program, which could be applied in our area, to prevent the major complications of this pathology. Following controlled clinical trials and natural history of atherosclerotic disease, we give the guidelines of diagnostic procedures and indications to conservative or surgical treatment, in order to lower the high mortality and invalidating morbidity of arteriosclerotic vascular disease.