Peripheral artery disease (or "PAD") happens when arteries become narrow. The disease causes:
- Pain
- Difficulty walking (claudication)
- Sores and ulcers on the legs and feet
Gangrene and amputation occur when tissues die due to lack of blood and lack of treatment.
The strongest risks related to this disease are smoking, diabetes, and age. About 16 percent of adults aged 60-69 have peripheral artery disease. The amount of people with this disease more than doubles (34 percent) in adults aged 70−82 years old.
Related Heart Diseases
Peripheral artery disease and coronary artery disease (disease in the heart's major blood vessels) often occur together. Atherosclerosis happens when arteries become clogged with fatty plaques, leading to both of these diseases.
Most people who die with peripheral artery disease do so because of associated heart disease.
Lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise) and medications can help to reduce symptoms and problems related to peripheral artery disease. Surgery may fix blood flow by opening or bypassing the blocked arteries. For diabetics, improved glycemic control can limit the effects of peripheral vascular disease progression.
Last Updated March 2023