Mr T.H., aged 67 years, has type 1 diabetes mellitus and smokes 20 cigarettes a day. His plasma total cholesterol is raised at 7.2 mmol/L, and his blood pressure is 160/110 mm Hg. After walking 50...

Mr T.H., aged 67 years, has type 1 diabetes mellitus and smokes 20 cigarettes a day. His plasma total cholesterol is raised at 7.2 mmol/L, and his blood pressure is 160/110 mm Hg. After walking 50 metres, he develops pain in his left calf muscle, which is relieved by rest. He occasionally has rest pain at night. On examination, both popliteal and posterior tibial pulses are absent, and femoropopliteal atherosclerotic disease is diagnosed.

1. Comment on the usefulness and drawbacks of the following drugs to treat Mr T.H.’s peripheral vascular disease.

A. Propranolol

B. Atenolol

C. Nifedipine

D. A statin

E. Low-dose aspirin F. Cilostazol

2. What other therapy could be of benefit?

3. Should the use of an electric blanket be discouraged?