Which of the following indicates the presence of intermittent claudication?

Which of the following indicates the presence of intermittent claudication?

• A. Pain in the legs during physical activity
• B. Chest pain during rest
• C. Shortness of breath while sitting
• D. Tickling sensation in fingers

Answer: (A)

Intermittent claudication is characterized by pain or discomfort in the legs or buttocks during physical activity, such as walking or climbing stairs, which typically resolves with rest. This condition results from insufficient blood flow to the muscles, often due to peripheral artery disease. When the demand for oxygen in the muscles exceeds the blood supply, individuals experience pain during exertion. The other options describe symptoms that are not associated with intermittent claudication. Chest pain during rest could indicate more serious cardiovascular problems, such as angina or myocardial infarction, while shortness of breath while sitting might suggest issues like heart failure or respiratory conditions. A tickling sensation in fingers does not relate to claudication and is more likely associated with nerve compression or peripheral neuropathy. Thus, the presence of leg pain during physical activity clearly indicates intermittent claudication.

Intermittent claudication is characterized by pain or discomfort in the legs or buttocks during physical activity, such as walking or climbing stairs, which typically resolves with rest. This condition results from insufficient blood flow to the muscles, often due to peripheral artery disease. When the demand for oxygen in the muscles exceeds the blood supply, individuals experience pain during exertion.

The other options describe symptoms that are not associated with intermittent claudication. Chest pain during rest could indicate more serious cardiovascular problems, such as angina or myocardial infarction, while shortness of breath while sitting might suggest issues like heart failure or respiratory conditions. A tickling sensation in fingers does not relate to claudication and is more likely associated with nerve compression or peripheral neuropathy. Thus, the presence of leg pain during physical activity clearly indicates intermittent claudication.