Question

Mr. K. is a 57-year-old man who consulted his physician after noticing marked leg pains while playing golf. He had previously noticed increasing fatigue and discomfort in his legs associated with moderate exercise. When sitting for extended periods with legs dangling, his legs became red, and sometimes his feet felt numb. His history indicates he smokes cigarettes and is chronically overweight. His blood cholesterol and other lipid levels are abnormal, and his physician suspects peripheral atherosclerosis as the cause of his discomfort.

Discuss the complications that might develop in this patient. (See Atherosclerosis—Pathophysiology, Signs and Symptoms.)

Answer 1

Complications of atherosclerosis (MayoClinic);

Coronary artery disease leading to heart attack

Carotid artery disease leading to stroke

Peripheral artery disease leading to poor circulation in the arms or legs causing the tissue death (gangrene)

Chronic kidney disease