Which symptom commonly co-occurs with peripheral arterial occlusive disease?

• A. Intermittent claudication
• B. Edema of the legs with pitting
• C. Numbness in the hands
• D. Frequent headaches

Answer: (A)

Intermittent claudication is the leg pain, cramping, or fatigue that occurs with walking or exercise and is relieved by rest. This pattern happens because the leg muscles temporarily lack enough oxygen when the arterial blood supply is narrowed or blocked, a hallmark of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD). The symptom is classic for PAD and helps distinguish it from other leg problems such as venous edema, which presents with leg swelling that may pit, or neuropathic symptoms like numbness in the hands or other non-vascular complaints like headaches. In a patient with claudication, you’d typically assess leg pulses, skin changes, and consider measuring the ankle-brachial index to quantify arterial obstruction.