Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment

To truly understand PAD, it is essential to explore its underlying mechanisms and the impact it has on the body. The development of atherosclerosis begins with damage to the inner lining of the arteries, often due to risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. This damage triggers an inflammatory response, attracting immune cells and initiating the formation of plaque. Over time, the plaque accumulates and hardens, narrowing the arterial passageways and impairing blood flow.