Which of the following treatments is considered the mainstay for managing symptoms of claudication in peripheral artery disease?

Cilostazol is recognized as the mainstay treatment for managing symptoms of claudication in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). This medication functions as a phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor, which leads to vasodilation and increased blood flow to the muscles, helping to alleviate the pain and discomfort experienced during physical activity. Cilostazol has been shown in numerous studies to improve walking distance and overall functional capacity in individuals suffering from claudication, making it a preferred choice in clinical practice.

In contrast, while other options such as anticoagulants and statins may play a role in the broader management of cardiovascular health and reduction of associated risks, they do not specifically target the symptoms of claudication. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that is utilized in conditions requiring prevention of thromboembolic events but does not address the ischemic pain associated with PAD. Statins, like atorvastatin and simvastatin, primarily work to manage cholesterol levels and have a positive impact on cardiovascular outcomes, but they do not directly reduce claudication symptoms. Therefore, cilostazol is specifically indicated for the relief of claudication symptoms in PAD, distinguishing it as the mainstay treatment in this context.