The Vascular Disease Research Center
at Rhode Island Hospital
CLEVER Study
(Claudication: Exercise vs. Endoluminal Revascularization)
What is intermittent claudication?
Intermittent claudication is pain, cramps, heaviness, fatigue or other equivalent symptoms involving the muscle groups of the legs. It typically occurs when walking or climbing stairs, is reproducible, and is relieved with rest.
Intermittent claudication is caused by reduced blood flow to the muscles of the buttocks, thighs and calves during walking, usually caused by atherosclerotic blockages. The condition is present in up to 30% of older individuals.
Other conditions often present in people with intermittent claudication include atherosclerosis involving the coronary arteries, carotid arteries in the neck, or other arteries.
Risk factors for the development of atherosclerotic blockages include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a high-fat diet, a edentary lifestyle or diabetes.
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