Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up in the wall of an artery. PAD is usually caused by atherosclerosis in the peripheral arteries (or outer regions away from the heart). Plaque is made up of deposits of fats, cholesterol and other substances. Plaque formations can grow large enough to significantly reduce the blood's flow through an artery. When a plaque becomes brittle or inflamed, it may rupture, triggering a blood clot to form. A clot may either further narrow the artery, or completely block it.
If the blockage remains in the peripheral arteries in the legs, it can cause pain, changes in skin color, sores or ulcers and difficulty walking. Total loss of circulation to the legs and feet can cause gangrene and loss of a limb.
If the blockage occurs in a carotid artery, it can cause a stroke+.
Symptoms
- Cramping, pain or tiredness in the leg or hip muscles while walking or climbing stairs
- Poor nail growth on the toes or hair growth on the legs
- Foot or toe wounds that won’t heal or heal very slowly
- A marked decrease in the temperature of your lower leg or foot
- Erectile dysfunction, especially in men with diabetes
Complications
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
- Left untreated, PAD can lead to gangrene and amputation.
Risk factors
- Smoking. Click here to read about the effects on your heart from smoking.
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure/Hypertension
- High Cholesterol
- Age
Luckily, if you know your risk factors and follow the steps below, you can prevent or delay PAD and its complications. Know your family history of health problems related to P.A.D. If you or someone in your family has the disease, be sure to tell your doctor.
Prevention
These steps will help you keep PAD at bay:
- Be physically active.
- Be screened for P.A.D.
- Follow heart-healthy eating.
- If you smoke, quit.
- If you're overweight or obese, work with your doctor to create a reasonable weight-loss plan.
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