Question

A 60-year-old man presents to his GP with intermittent claudication after walking 200 metres. He smokes 20 cigarettes a day and has hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Examination reveals diminished dorsalis pedis pulses. Which is the most important initial management intervention?

Accepted Answer

Smoking cessation and optimisation of cardiovascular risk factors

Answer

Immediate angioplasty of the affected artery

Answer

Start high-dose opioid analgesia for pain relief

Answer

Advise strict bed rest to avoid pain

Answer

No treatment is required unless rest pain develops

Practice question

A 60-year-old man presents to his GP with intermittent claudication after walking 200 metres. He smokes 20 cigarettes a day and has hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Examination reveals diminished dorsalis pedis pulses. Which is the most important initial management intervention?