Key Facts
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the legs or lower extremities is the narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs. It is primarily caused by the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries, which is called atherosclerosis. PAD can happen in any blood vessel, but it is more common in the legs than the arms. The main risk factor for PAD is smoking. Other risk factors are nearly identical to those for other cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, older age and atherosclerosis in other arteries. Those with clogged arteries often have similarly damaged blood vessels in other parts of their bodies, which put them at a higher risk for heart attack and stroke.
What Causes PAD?
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Atherosclerosis
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Age above 60 years
Signs & Symptoms
- Symptoms of PAD may include leg pain, particularly when walking.
- Symptoms of pain, aches, or cramps with walking can happen in the buttock, hip, thigh, or calf
- Some people may experience loss of hair on the legs, thinning of the skin on the legs, ulcers
- Shiny skin
- Skin that is cool to the touch
Managing PAD
- Your doctor may recommend that you take aspirin or other similar antiplatelet medicines to prevent serious complications from PAD and associated atherosclerosis. You may also need to take medicine to reduce your blood cholesterol.
- If you smoke, quit. Talk with your doctor about ways to help you quit smoking.
- Surgery may be needed to bypass blocked arteries.