Which condition is a common cause of intermittent vascular claudication?

Which condition is a common cause of intermittent vascular claudication?

• A. Varicose veins
• B. Deep vein thrombosis
• C. Atherosclerosis
• D. Lymphedema

Answer: (C)

Intermittent claudication happens when exercising muscles demand more oxygen than the leg arteries can supply. The most common cause in older adults is atherosclerosis leading to peripheral artery disease. Plaque narrows the arteries of the legs, so during walking the increased blood flow can’t be met, causing muscle pain or cramping that resolves with rest. This pattern—pain with exertion that improves with rest—is classic for vascular claudication. You may also see diminished leg pulses and a reduced ankle-brachial index, which support PAD. Other leg conditions produce different symptoms: varicose veins cause venous discomfort and heaviness, DVT presents with acute unilateral swelling and warmth, and lymphedema causes chronic, often non-pitting edema without the exertional claudication pattern.

Intermittent claudication happens when exercising muscles demand more oxygen than the leg arteries can supply. The most common cause in older adults is atherosclerosis leading to peripheral artery disease. Plaque narrows the arteries of the legs, so during walking the increased blood flow can’t be met, causing muscle pain or cramping that resolves with rest. This pattern—pain with exertion that improves with rest—is classic for vascular claudication. You may also see diminished leg pulses and a reduced ankle-brachial index, which support PAD. Other leg conditions produce different symptoms: varicose veins cause venous discomfort and heaviness, DVT presents with acute unilateral swelling and warmth, and lymphedema causes chronic, often non-pitting edema without the exertional claudication pattern.