Critical Limb Ischemia

Don’t ignore severe pain in your feet or toes. Complications of poor circulation can be serious. It’s time to get to a doctor.

About Critical Limb Ischemia

CLI, the most severe form of PAD, is caused by a narrowing of the arteries in extremities that typically affects the legs. It’s caused by the same artery-clogging plaque that causes heart attacks and strokes, and often results in amputation.

Who’s at Risk for Critical Limb Ischemia?

About 10 million people have critical limb ischemia (CLI), the most severe form of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Black men are more likely to progress from PAD to CLI than Caucasian men¹. The condition often remains untreated, with significant disparities in revascularization and amputation rates according to race, socioeconomic status and where you live.

Find out your risk

People with CLI are either current or ex-smokers

Main risk factors are smoking and diabetes

African American woman informed about CLI prevention

Manage Your Risk Factors

You may be at an increased risk for certain disease states due to your race, ethnicity and gender–but these factors shouldn’t stand in the way to receiving appropriate care. You can protect your and your family’s health, starting with learning the lifestyle changes that lowers risks the most.

Learn how to prevent CLI

Symptoms of Critical Limb Ischemia

Noticing and reporting symptoms early is very important because with CLI, time matters. The sooner blood flow can be re-established to the lower leg or foot, the chances of better long-term outcomes for you.

What to watch for

Leg and foot pain while exercising and while at rest

Cracks and sores that don't heal

Infections

How Critical Limb Ischemia Is Diagnosed

Check your risk. Catching CLI early means that you can get treatment to prevent CLI from getting worse, potentially reducing chances of needing an amputation. Take a quick risk assessment to find out if you’re at risk for CLI, and what you can do about it.

Find out now

Treatment for Critical Limb Ischemia

The goal for people with CLI is to minimize tissue loss, heal wounds and to make sure your limb gets the blood it needs to work properly. It’s important to get to a doctor right away if you think you’re at risk.

Learn about treatment for PAD, which can lead to CLI

Learn more

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