Peripheral Artery Disease – Connection of feet to the heart
What is peripheral arterial disease (PAD)? What are the risk factors for developing PAD?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) refers to narrowing of the arteries of the legs, arms, neck and abdomen. (“Peripheral” means away from the heart). Atherosclerosis is a disease process wherein fatty plaques are deposited in the wall of arteries leading to luminal narrowing and obstruction of these arteries. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of PAD. The most commonly affected arteries in PAD are the arteries of the lower limbs. The most common symptom of PAD is cramping pain ("intermittent claudication") in the calf, thigh or hip while walking or climbing stairs and it is typically relieved on taking rest. Blockages in the arteries can restrict blood flow to the limbs. If left untreated, the tissue can become infected or die, a condition called gangrene.
People who smoke and/or have diabetes are at especially high risk of developing PAD. Other risk factors for PAD are advancing age, high blood sugar and blood pressure, altered cholesterol levels, heart disease, stroke, poor diet, physical inactivity, obesity etc.
