2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of peripheral arterial and aortic diseases

The 2024 ESC Guidelines for peripheral arterial and aortic diseases (PAAD) represent the first instance where recommendations for these two conditions have been merged, updating and consolidating the 2017 guidelines for peripheral arterial diseases and the 2014 guidelines for aortic diseases. The focus is primarily on atherosclerotic arterial diseases, though non-atherosclerotic genetic conditions are also considered. These guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for healthcare professionals, covering the entire PAAD patient journey — from diagnosis and risk stratification at initial presentation to long-term management post-hospitalisation. Emphasising patient-centred care, the guidelines also stress the importance of preventive strategies, lifestyle modifications, and physical activity recommendations to prevent disease progression and complications. While not exhaustive, they offer practical recommendations on diagnosis, surveillance, and treatment, with new and revised recommendations highlighted at the beginning of the document. Healthcare providers are encouraged to consider non-atherosclerotic conditions and consult specific documents as needed. The objective is to equip healthcare professionals with the best available evidence to manage patients of all ages with PAAD effectively.