A 68-year-old man arrives at the office with thigh and leg pain that worsens with activity. He finds it difficult to walk through the local mall with his wife. For hypertension and diabetes mellitus, previous medical history is important. The patient smokes two packs of cigarettes per day and drinks alcohol on occasion. Physical examination reveals weak dorsalis pedis pulses in both feet. Further testing reveals moderate peripheral arterial disease in both lower extremities. Which of the following drugs would best provide symptomatic improvement due to direct dilation of arteries and inhibition of platelet aggregation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: A graded exercise program and cilostazol are used to treat the symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Cilostazol is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that works as a direct arterial vasodilator and inhibits platelet aggregation. Patients with PAD should also be given an antiplatelet agent (aspirin or clopidogrel) as a secondary preventive measure against coronary heart disease and stroke.

A 68-Year-Old Man Arrives at the Office with Thigh and Leg