What is peripheral artery disease?

 

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs. PAD can occur in any blood vessel, but it is more common in the legs than the arms.

 
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HEALTHY BLOOD VESSEL
NORMAL BLOOD FLOW

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UNHEALTHY BLOOD VESSEL
LIMITED BLOOD FLOW

 
 
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PAD affects 8 to 12 million people in the United States1 and more than 200 million worldwide.2

 

 Causes of PAD

The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis – the accumulation of plaque on the inside walls of the arteries, causing those arteries to narrow or harden. Plaque is made up mostly of cholesterol that builds up in the bloodstream.

THE CHANCES OF DEVELOPING PAD ARE HIGHER FOR PEOPLE:2

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Who are over age 50

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Who smoke or have smoked in the past

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Who have diabetes

 
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Who have high blood pressure (hypertension)

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Who have high cholesterol levels

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Who have a personal history of vascular disease, heart attack, or stroke

 Symptoms of PAD

The most common symptoms of PAD involving the lower extremities are cramping, pain or tiredness in the leg or hip muscles while walking or climbing stairs. Typically, this pain goes away with rest and returns when you walk again. However, up to 50% of individuals with PAD are unaware they have the condition.3

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Physical indications that may be present in people with PAD include muscle atrophy (loss of muscle tissue), hair loss, smooth shiny skin, skin that is cool to the touch, decreased or absent pulses in the feet, non-healing ulcers or sores on the legs or feet, and cold or numb toes.4

PAD symptoms commonly occur when doing daily activities such as:

 
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Walking

 

Climbing Stairs

 
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Biking

 

References:

  1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/pad/materials/pad_extfctsht_general.html. Accessed August 9, 2019.

  2. Fowkes FGR, Rudan D, Rudan I, et al. Comparison of global estimates of prevalence and risk factors for peripheral artery disease in 2000 and 2010: a systematic review and analysis. Lancet. 2013; Oct 19;382(9901):1329-40.

  3. Weitz JI, Byrne J, Clagett GP, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of chronic arterial insufficiency of the lower extremities: a critical review. Circulation. 1996; 94(11):3026-49.

  4. American Heart Association. Symptoms and Diagnosis of PAD webpage. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/peripheral-artery-disease/symptoms-and-diagnosis-of-pad. Accessed August 8, 2019.

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