Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a circulation disorder in which fatty deposits build up in the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to your limbs. This restricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your milbs, leading to pain, cramping, and tightness during activities. Over time, it can lead to serious damage and increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and limb amputation.

Signs and symptoms of PAD

The most common symptom of PAD is intermittent claudication. This is described as a cramping pain in the hips, legs, or feet during exercise or activity. Other symptoms of PAD include:

Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
Lack of energy in the legs
Pain that is worse after exercise
Coldness in the legs
Weakness in the legs
Paleness in the legs
Loss of hair on the lower legs
Open cuts or ulcers on the legs that heal slowly

Causes and Risk Factors of PAD

The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis. This is when a person has high levels of cholesterol in their blood, causing fatty deposits to form inside the artery walls. This blocks the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the limbs. Other risk factors for PAD include:

Smoking
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Family history of vascular disease
Inactivity
Obesity
Older age

Diagnosing PAD

PAD is diagnosed using a physical exam and tests, such as an ankle-brachial index or ultrasounds. During the physical exam, your doctor will pay particular attention to your pulse and blood pressure in your arms and legs to look for any signs of PAD. Get creative and try to come up with more tests!

Treating PAD

Treatment for PAD typically aims to reduce symptoms and lower the risk of complications. Some of the treatments available for PAD include lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly can help reduce the symptoms of PAD. Medications such as blood thinners and cholesterol-lowering drugs can help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Surgery is an option for severe cases of PAD when lifestyle changes and medications are not enough.