The main caused is atherosclerosis plaque or the build up of fatty substance that narrow or obstruct the blood vessels, usually in the arteries or called stenosis (Smith, 2012). This gradual accumulation of fatty plaque causes degeneration of the wall of the arteries. Due to the build up of plaque the innermost layer of the arterial wall begin to clot and fibrosis, which will replace the smooth muscle and collagen (Fox, 2012). Continues narrowing or occlusion of the blood vessels will result in ischaemia of the tissue delivered by the diseased arteries. Progression of the atherosclerosis plaque differs from artery to artery. In most cases, symptoms of ischemia may present in the lower limbs, heart or brain. A patient displaying with PVD has the higher risk of dying due to cardiovascular event (Smith, 2012). Cardiovascular disease is the largest cause of premature death in Australia (Healy, …show more content…
The primary pharmacological intervention is to reduce the risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality that includes the use of anticoagulants and anti-platelets drugs. The major focused on PVD management is to prevent the blood clots from developing and to dissolve existing blood clot. According to the American College of Cardiology, anti-platelets drugs such as aspirin and clopidogrel is the preferred anti-platelets theraphy because it inhibits platelets aggregation and thrombus formation by blocking cyclooxygenase within the platelets and it alleviate the risk of myocardial infarction or vascular death. (Berger et al., 2009). Furthermore, the anticoagulant medication such as warfarin and heparin are common medication to treat blood clot. Those drugs works by slowing down the production of vitamin K that increased the time for the blood clot to form (AHA, 2012). The greatest advantages of these medications are that to prevent the blood clot and the serious complication. Nevertheless, anticoagulant medication has serious risks that need to monitor carefully which include bleeding problems, headaches, dizziness, pain and discomfort. Patients taking anticoagulant drugs should inform their healthcare provider and the healthcare team should be