Intermittent claudication is most likely to occur during which activity?

Intermittent claudication is most likely to occur during which activity?

• A. Walking or stair climbing
• B. Sleeping
• C. Eating
• D. Reading a book at the bedside

Answer: (A)

Intermittent claudication is caused by reduced blood flow to the leg muscles during activity. When you walk or climb stairs, the leg muscles demand more oxygen, but narrowed or blocked arteries from peripheral artery disease can’t supply enough, leading to cramping or aching in the calves (and sometimes thighs or buttocks). The pain typically stops with rest and may reappear after resuming activity. That pattern—pain with exertion relieved by rest—is classic for intermittent claudication. Activities like sleeping, eating, or reading at the bedside don’t require the same level of leg muscle exertion, so they’re unlikely to trigger this pain.

Intermittent claudication is caused by reduced blood flow to the leg muscles during activity. When you walk or climb stairs, the leg muscles demand more oxygen, but narrowed or blocked arteries from peripheral artery disease can’t supply enough, leading to cramping or aching in the calves (and sometimes thighs or buttocks). The pain typically stops with rest and may reappear after resuming activity. That pattern—pain with exertion relieved by rest—is classic for intermittent claudication.

Activities like sleeping, eating, or reading at the bedside don’t require the same level of leg muscle exertion, so they’re unlikely to trigger this pain.