Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is characterised by debilitating atherosclerotic occlusion of arteries in the lower extremities and is a major cardiovascular disease. PAD can be asymptomatic or accompanied by symptoms, such as intermittent claudication, atypical leg pain, critical limb ischaemia, and occasionally acute limb ischaemia. Despite its implications and comorbidities, PAD still lacks public attention and awareness [1]

Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) represents the most advanced clinical manifestation of (PAD). Comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension and old age (65 years or older) are commonly associated with the incidence of CLI [2] Critical limb ischemia is a severe condition, and it requires immediate treatment to re-establish blood flow to the affected area or areas (most patients with CLI have multiple arterial blockages). Treatment for CLI can be quite complex and individualised, but the overall goal should always be to reduce the pain and improve blood flow and as the number one priority to preserve the limb.

The four major risk factors for PAD include current smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolaemia. The prevalence of these risk factors will continue to rise over the next decade and beyond [7-10] . When combining with the increase in life expectancy and an increasing aging population, the treatment of PAD is increasingly a burden on global heath care systems.

“Overall, PAD prevalence rates are projected to rise in most countries due to an increase in the number of patients with diabetes, smokers and a generally ageing population.”