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Learn MorePeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a circulatory disorder that primarily affects the arteries outside the heart and brain, most commonly those supplying the limbs. It’s characterized by a narrowing or blockage of these arteries due to the buildup of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis), restricting blood flow to the extremities.
PAD typically stems from atherosclerosis, where plaque accumulates along the arterial walls, narrowing the blood vessels and impairing blood flow.
Notable factors which increase the risk of developing PAD include:
Common symptoms of PAD involve pain, cramping, or fatigue in the legs, especially during physical activity. This discomfort, known as intermittent claudication, typically improves with rest.
As PAD progress, individuals may experience pain even at rest, non-healing wounds, and skin changes like hair loss or ulcer on the legs and feet.
Management of PAD may involve any combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical interventions. Lifestyle modifications include quitting smoking, adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Medications like antiplatelets, blood thinners, and cholesterol-lowering drugs may be prescribed. In cases of significant arterial blockages, procedures such a atherectomy, angioplasty, and/or stent placement may be necessary to restore proper blood flow.
