Intermittent Claudication: Most Effective Dietary Supplements

Intermittent claudication is characterized by muscle pain that occurs during exercise and quickly disappears at rest. This pain, often felt in the lower limbs, is associated with insufficient blood supply due to narrowing or blockage of peripheral arteries.

Pathophysiology

Intermittent claudication results from an imbalance between the oxygen requirements of muscles engaged during exercise and the ability of arteries to supply this oxygen. This lack of oxygenation leads to temporary muscle ischemia, responsible for the pain. Once the effort stops, the oxygen demand decreases, and the pain disappears. Atherosclerosis, which causes a progressive narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaques, is the main mechanism behind this condition, leading to reduced blood flow to the affected muscles.

Symptoms

People with intermittent claudication experience pain or muscle discomfort, usually in the calves, while walking. The pain quickly stops as soon as the effort ceases, but it reappears systematically after covering a certain distance. This discomfort can also be accompanied by a feeling of weakness or cramps in the legs, making it difficult to continue physical activity.

Etiologies

The main cause of intermittent claudication is atherosclerosis, which narrows the arteries and limits blood supply to the muscles of the lower limbs. In some cases, a deep vein thrombosis may cause similar symptoms. Common risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, as well as hyperlipidemia, all of which contribute to the worsening of atherosclerosis and the onset of claudication.

Treatments

Management of intermittent claudication is based on several approaches aimed at improving blood circulation and alleviating symptoms. Lifestyle changes are essential, starting with smoking cessation, which is crucial for enhancing circulation and slowing the progression of atherosclerosis. Physical exercise, particularly supervised walking programs, is also recommended to increase pain-free walking distance and promote blood circulation. Medicinal treatments include antiplatelet agents, which prevent clot formation, and statins, which reduce blood cholesterol levels. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) are often prescribed to control high blood pressure, thereby contributing to the protection of blood vessels. In the most severe cases, surgical interventions may be considered. Angioplasty, which involves dilating narrowed arteries with a balloon, or bypass surgery, which reroutes blood flow around obstructed arteries using grafts, are effective solutions to restore blood flow. Endarterectomy, aimed at removing atherosclerosis plaque from the arteries, may also be considered to improve circulation in the lower limbs.