Role of conservative management in 50 cases of lower limb peripheral vascular disease

Introduction: Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a chronic atherosclerotic condition with a high associated cardiovascular risk. Conservative management, including risk factor modification and medical therapy, is the mainstay of care for non-critical cases. This study evaluates the clinical profile and outcome of conservative management in 50 patients with lower limb PVD. Material and Methods: This was a prospective study of 50 patients with lower limb PVD admitted to Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, from February 2023 - March 2025. Patients managed conservatively had chronic limb ischemia with short-segmental, diffuse, or partial thrombosis/stenosis and arterial lumen narrowing of <50%. Management consisted of aggressive risk factor modification (e.g., regular exercise, smoking cessation) and medical therapy, including antiplatelets, vasodilators (cilostazol and pentoxifylline), and targeted co-morbidity treatment. The primary outcome measured was symptom progression (improvement, persistence, or worsening) after one year of follow-up and complication rate. Results: Out of 50 patients, the majority were male (86%) and were in the 41-60 year age group. Major associated risk factors were diabetes and smoking. Intermittent claudication was the most common symptom. After one year of follow-up, 52% of patients showed improvement in symptoms. The most common complication was an ulcer (10%). Conclusion: Conservative management, including risk factor modification, medical therapy, and regular follow-up, can significantly improve symptoms and functional outcome in PVD patients, especially in non-critical limb ischemia.