Understanding Critical Limb Ischemia
Critical limb ischemia, also known as chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), is the most severe form of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which occurs from plaque buildup in the arteries. The risk of this condition tends to grow as we age, especially if you have other risk factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chronic kidney disease, a family history of PAD, obesity, or being a smoker.
This condition limits the blood flow to one or more of your extremities, often resulting in pain, numbness and tingling in the affected limbs, especially at night, often preventing sleeping. In the worst case, critical limb ischemia causes slow-healing wounds, especially on the feet, which can result in amputation if not treated quickly. According to the American Heart Association, approximately one in four people diagnosed with CLI will require an amputation within a year of their initial diagnosis, but that number can be drastically reduced with early revascularization efforts. Even if you just think you may be at risk for the condition, it’s important to get a medical opinion as soon as possible.
Critical Limb Ischemia vs. Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia — Is There A Difference?
If you look into surgery or endovascular therapy for chronic limb-threatening ischemia, you may notice that some resources refer to the condition as such, and others use the term critical limb ischemia. This condition experienced a name change in 2019. While critical limb ischemia is still an accurate term for your condition, your provider may also reference chronic limb-threatening ischemia when discussing treatment.
