Chronic limb-threatening ischemia is a serious condition where blood flow to the arms or legs is blocked. It can happen when peripheral artery disease becomes severe.
Symptoms
Symptoms of chronic limb-threatening ischemia include:
- Intense foot, leg, or arm pain
- Cold legs, feet, or hands
- Numbness in your feet, legs, or arms
- Thicker than usual toenails
- Shiny and smooth skin on your limbs
- Sores or skin ulcers that don't heal
- Skin color changes on your legs, feet, or hands
Treatments
If not treated right away, chronic limb-threatening ischemia can lead to serious complications, including amputation and death. However, it can be treated with:
- Medications to prevent blood clots
- Medications to lower blood pressure and/or cholesterol
- Stents
- Atherectomy, which is a procedure to remove plaque buildup
- Surgery to replace an artery
If these treatments don't help bring back blood flow, you may need to have part of your hand, foot, or leg amputated.
Risk Factors
Peripheral artery disease is the cause of this condition. However, there are other factors that raise your risk of developing chronic limb-threatening ischemia, including:
- Your age
- Smoking
- Chronic kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition
department
Vascular Medicine Center
The Vascular Medicine Center at Boston Medical Center offers comprehensive care, including minimally invasive techniques, from one of the most advanced multidisciplinary teams of …
department
Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
The Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery provides state-of-the-art surgical services and medical care for patients with vascular disease. Our vascular surgeons deliver hi…