A 65-year-old patient is experiencing pain in his left calf when he exercises which disappears after resting for a few minutes. What problem in the left leg does this indicate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

These symptoms indicate ischemia, a deficient supply of oxygenated arterial blood to the tissue, in the leg. A partial blockage creates an insufficient supply and may be apparent only during exercise when oxygen needs increase and is relieved with rest. Although the term for this is claudication, it is due to insufficient arterial blood, not venous abnormalities. With a complete blockage of an artery, the pain would be constant, not just with walking/exercise, and would not be relieved with rest.

A 65-Year-Old Patient Is Experiencing Pain in His Left Calf