During exercise to the point of symptom production in a patient with lower-extremity claudication, which distal skin finding is most likely?

During exercise to the point of symptom production in a patient with lower-extremity claudication, which distal skin finding is most likely?

• A. Pallor
• B. Edema
• C. Hyperhydrosis
• D. Hyperemia

Answer: (A)

When a leg with peripheral arterial disease is exercised to the point of claudication, the muscles demand more blood than the narrowed arteries can supply. That reduced arterial inflow leads to distal tissue ischemia, which presents as pallor of the skin in the exercised limb. Once rest allows blood flow to return, the skin may flush with redness due to reactive hyperemia. Edema represents venous or other problems, and hyperhidrosis isn’t a typical sign of arterial insufficiency during exercise.

When a leg with peripheral arterial disease is exercised to the point of claudication, the muscles demand more blood than the narrowed arteries can supply. That reduced arterial inflow leads to distal tissue ischemia, which presents as pallor of the skin in the exercised limb. Once rest allows blood flow to return, the skin may flush with redness due to reactive hyperemia. Edema represents venous or other problems, and hyperhidrosis isn’t a typical sign of arterial insufficiency during exercise.