Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a vascular condition in which narrowed blood vessels in the body’s arms, hands, legs and feet lead to the reduced flow of blood to these areas. Most commonly diagnosed in the legs, the symptoms of PAD may include leg pain or cramping (especially when walking or exercising), numbness or weakness in the limbs, areas of the limbs that are cold to the touch, changes in skin color or a loss of hair on the lower legs.
Atherosclerosis is the cause of PAD, which is a buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the walls of the peripheral arteries (the arteries that carry blood to the legs and arms). Also known as plaque, these substances collect in the arteries and over time, can cause the blood vessels to narrow.
People who have a family history of PAD, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, are overweight or over 50 years of age are at risk for atherosclerosis. Smoking is also a risk factor for PAD. Left untreated, PAD can lead to critical limb ischemia and a possible amputation. As plaque can also build up in other blood vessels within the body, the risk of stroke and heart attack is higher in those with PAD.
The ankle brachial index (ABI) test is performed at most doctor’s offices and is often the first test used to diagnose PAD. If further testing is needed, a duplex ultrasound, X-ray arteriogram, CT angiogram or MR angiogram may also be used.
If PAD is not severe, it may be treated with medication and/or lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking. If this does not work and the disease progresses, there are several minimally invasive procedures that are highly effective and do not require vascular surgery. These include angioplasty (with or without stents) and atherectomy. Click here if you’d like to take our quiz to see if you qualify for PAD treatment.
You can learn more about these procedures by clicking here »