Critical limb ischemia
Critical Limb Ischemia (pronunciation: kri-ti-kəl lim is-kē-mē-ə) is a severe obstruction of the arteries which drastically reduces blood flow to the extremities (hands, feet and legs) and has progressed to the point of severe pain and even skin ulcers or sores.
Etymology
The term "Critical Limb Ischemia" is derived from the Greek word ischaimos meaning "stopping blood" and the Latin word criticus meaning "decisive". It was first used in medical literature in the late 20th century.
Symptoms
Critical Limb Ischemia is characterized by chronic ischemic rest pain, ulcers or gangrene in one or both legs attributable to objectively proven arterial occlusive disease. The pain often increases when the leg is elevated and decreases when the leg is dangled.
Causes
The primary cause of Critical Limb Ischemia is Peripheral Artery Disease, a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. Other causes include Diabetes, Smoking, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, and Atherosclerosis.
Treatment
Treatment options for Critical Limb Ischemia include Medication, Angioplasty, Bypass Surgery, and in severe cases, Amputation.
Related Terms
- Peripheral Artery Disease
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Atherosclerosis
- Medication
- Angioplasty
- Bypass Surgery
- Amputation
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