Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a progressive atherosclerotic condition marked by arterial narrowing in the limbs, resulting in impaired blood flow, functional limitations and increased cardiovascular risk. As global prevalence rises, clinicians frequently seek specialised updates through expert-led cardiology conference sessions that examine evolving diagnostic tools, interventional therapies and risk-reduction strategies. PAD is closely linked with systemic vascular health, meaning affected patients often present with polyvascular disease involving coronary and cerebrovascular territories. This session emphasises early detection, comprehensive risk assessment and evidence-based treatment approaches that reduce morbidity and enhance quality of life. Because PAD strongly intersects with vascular disease management, understanding its clinical spectrum is essential for optimising long-term outcomes.

The session begins with an in-depth overview of PAD risk factors, including diabetes, smoking, dyslipidemia, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and advanced age. Participants learn structured approaches for identifying early symptoms such as claudication, rest pain, non-healing wounds and diminished pulses. Diagnostic pathways include ankle–brachial index measurement, Doppler studies, segmental pressures and advanced imaging such as CT angiography, MR angiography and duplex ultrasound. Detailed case-based examples highlight how multimodality imaging guides therapeutic planning and monitors disease progression.

Management strategies are multifaceted and tailored to disease stage. Initial therapy focuses on lifestyle modification, supervised exercise programs, smoking cessation and medical optimisation with antiplatelet agents, statins, vasodilators and structured diabetes management. The session explains how to choose appropriate pharmacologic strategies for symptom relief, event prevention and long-term vascular protection.

Interventional options are reviewed extensively, covering angioplasty, stent placement, atherectomy, drug-coated balloons and hybrid procedures. Participants learn about lesion classification, access site selection, equipment considerations and treatment selection based on anatomical and clinical factors. Limb-threatening ischemia management is explored in depth, focusing on revascularisation strategies that prevent amputation and restore functional capacity.

The programme examines the broader cardiovascular implications of PAD. Many patients have concurrent coronary artery disease or cerebrovascular atherosclerosis, requiring coordinated care, risk stratification and preventive treatment. Clinicians learn to integrate vascular care within overall cardiovascular management frameworks to enhance survival and long-term outcomes.

Future directions include intravascular imaging, robotics, biologic therapies, regenerative approaches, microcirculation-focused interventions and AI-based predictive models. This comprehensive session equips clinicians with updated expertise for diagnosing, managing and preventing PAD across diverse patient populations.