Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

PAD, also called peripheral arterial disease, stems from atherosclerosis where fatty deposits clog arteries outside the heart and brain, most often in the legs.

It impacts over 10 million Americans, with up to 50% asymptomatic initially, but progression starves muscles of oxygen during activity.

Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and age over 60.

Symptoms

Classic sign is intermittent claudication—leg cramping, pain, or fatigue while walking that eases with rest.

Advanced cases show rest pain, shiny/cold skin, hair loss, slow-healing wounds, or gangrene.

This image depicts severe PAD complications like gangrene in toes, highlighting poor circulation effects.

Causes and Risk Factors

Atherosclerosis is primary; plaque hardens and narrows vessels, limiting blood to extremities.

Other contributors: high cholesterol, obesity, inactivity; it's linked to heart disease and stroke risk.

Diagnosis

Ankle-brachial index (ABI) compares arm/leg blood pressure; imaging like ultrasound or angiography confirms blockages.

Treatment Options

Lifestyle: Quit smoking, exercise, healthy diet; medications like cilostazol improve walking distance, statins control plaque.

Procedures: Angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery for severe cases; early intervention avoids amputation.