Which finding is commonly seen in peripheral arterial disease?

Which finding is commonly seen in peripheral arterial disease?

• A. Edema of legs
• B. Decreased peripheral pulses
• C. Warm, moist skin
• D. Frequent varicose veins

Answer: (B)

Peripheral arterial disease reduces arterial blood flow to the legs, so the most common finding is a diminished or absent pulse distal to the blockage. As arteries narrow, the pulse felt at sites like the ankles or feet weakens or disappears, reflecting impaired perfusion even at rest. Edema suggests venous problems or heart failure rather than arterial insufficiency. Warm, moist skin points more to inflammation or venous issues, and varicose veins stem from venous valve failure rather than arterial occlusion. So, the hallmark sign you’d expect with PAD is a decreased peripheral pulse.

Peripheral arterial disease reduces arterial blood flow to the legs, so the most common finding is a diminished or absent pulse distal to the blockage. As arteries narrow, the pulse felt at sites like the ankles or feet weakens or disappears, reflecting impaired perfusion even at rest. Edema suggests venous problems or heart failure rather than arterial insufficiency. Warm, moist skin points more to inflammation or venous issues, and varicose veins stem from venous valve failure rather than arterial occlusion. So, the hallmark sign you’d expect with PAD is a decreased peripheral pulse.