What Is Peripheral Artery Disease?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a circulatory problem, in which vessels that carry blood from the heart to the arms and legs become narrowed and restrict blood circulation in these body areas. 

When a person develops PAD, also called peripheral vascular disease, he may experience sever pain in the legs, usually calves, when walking or exercising. As a rule, both legs are affected at the same time, although the pain can be worse in one of the limbs.

PAD is dangerous for several reasons. First of all, it may go unnoticed provoking no symptoms, and if left untreated can be fatal. The disease is the result of atherosclerosis, which is a body-wide process that affects arteries of the brain, heart, kidneys and other organs. Even if no symptoms manifest, a blockage in the peripheral arteries of arms and legs increases the risk of heart attack.

A plaque can break off of its deposit and travel through bloodstream until it gets lodged in a smaller artery in the brain, resulting in stroke. This can leave a person severely disabled or even cause death. 

It is also dangerous because large amounts of plaque buildup can interfere with circulation of blood in other vital organs and can affect how they work. Sometimes, ulcers and non-healing wounds on feet and legs may develop, leading to lower limb amputation.

PAD is typically associated with comorbid conditions, such as cerebrovascular disease, coronary artery disease and chronic kidney disease, which increase a person’s risk for death. 

The good news is that PAD is not immediately life-threatening and is largely prevented and treated by medication and through lifestyle changes. In order to ensure early diagnosis and proper treatment, it is necessary to know your family history and liability to this disease. Factors that increase the risk of it development are:

People who smoke or suffer from diabetes are at highest risk of developing PAD because of low blood circulation. Therefore, to slow down PAD progression and prevent its complications, it is necessary to quit smoking, keep blood sugar in check, eat healthy food and exercise regularly.

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