Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects more than 200 million individuals worldwide, although this number is likely an underestimate due to underdiagnosis [1]. Individuals with PAD often have systemic atherosclerosis, such as coronary artery disease or cerebrovascular disease, and risk factors associated with these conditions, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. With progressive disease, patients can present with end-stage PAD, categorized as chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). CLTI often requires aggressive wound care and may necessitate lower extremity revascularization. The 2024 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach when managing individuals with all stages of PAD [2].

This article will review the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach for individuals with PAD [1] (Fig. 1). Multidisciplinary specialists consisting of individuals from differing disciplines come together to achieve the common goal of avoiding PAD complications. It is critical for primary care clinicians to have a high suspicion for PAD when patients present with symptoms suggestive of PAD and an abnormal vascular examination. Among those receiving a diagnosis of PAD, many establish care with a vascular specialist. Vascular specialists can include vascular medicine physicians, interventional cardiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional radiologists. Optimization of antiplatelet and antithrombotic regimens, as well as identification of risk factors for PAD is most often performed by vascular specialists. If there is progression of disease, including lifestyle-limiting claudication or CLTI, podiatry, wound care specialists, plastic surgeons, and vascular specialists may assist with invasive options to promote wound healing. Progression of disease may result in worsening lower extremity pain and functional limitations that may lead to an increased psychosocial burden on the individual and/or their caregivers. Thus, assistance from pain medicine, mental health care professionals, and social workers, may help the patient, their caregivers, and their multidisciplinary team to further optimize care in individuals with PAD.