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Peripheral Artery Disease
Moderate
Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, occurs when arteries outside the heart become narrowed or blocked, most often reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. Many people have few or no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include pain, aching, numbness, or heaviness in the legs during walking. Severe disease can cause poorly healing wounds and tissue damage.
Body System
Heart & Blood Vessels
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek prompt medical assessment for rapidly worsening leg pain, a suddenly cold or pale limb, new numbness or weakness, nonhealing wounds, or significant changes in skin color. Sudden severe limb pain with loss of circulation requires emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
2
Causes
3
Treatments
5
Diet
4
Overview
Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, occurs when arteries outside the heart become narrowed or blocked, most often reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. Many people have few or no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include pain, aching, numbness, or heaviness in the legs during walking. Severe disease can cause poorly healing wounds and tissue damage.
Symptoms 2
Brittle Nails
Unsteady Gait
Causes 3
The most common cause of peripheral artery disease is atherosclerosis, in which fatty material called plaque builds up inside the walls of arteries. The plaque makes the arteries narrower and can reduce blood flow to the muscles and tissues. Less commonly, PAD may result from other blood-vessel conditions, injury, or abnormal muscle or ligament structure affecting an artery.
High Cholesterol
Obesity
Smoking
Risk Factors
Smoking is the most important risk factor for peripheral artery disease. Risk also increases with older age and conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and previous stroke. A family history of vascular disease and other factors associated with atherosclerosis can also increase risk. Having PAD is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Doctors diagnose peripheral artery disease using a medical history and physical examination, including checking pulses and circulation in the legs and feet. The ankle-brachial index, which compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm, is commonly used. Additional vascular or imaging tests may be performed when needed to determine the location and severity of narrowed or blocked arteries.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Risk of peripheral artery disease can be reduced by avoiding tobacco and maintaining healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, body weight, and activity levels
Regular physical activity and a heart-healthy diet can help reduce atherosclerosis risk
People with diabetes or other cardiovascular risk factors should follow recommended treatment and monitoring plans to protect blood-vessel health
Prevention Guidance
Risk of peripheral artery disease can be reduced by avoiding tobacco and maintaining healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, body weight, and activity levels. Regular physical activity and a heart-healthy diet can help reduce atherosclerosis risk. People with diabetes or other cardiovascular risk factors should follow recommended treatment and monitoring plans to protect blood-vessel health.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 4
Recommended Foods
Oats
May help improve cholesterol levels.
Leafy Greens
Support vascular health.
Fish
Rich in heart-healthy fats.
Fresh Fruits
Provide fiber and antioxidants.
Foods to Avoid
Smoking Related Products
Avoid tobacco exposure completely.
Fried Foods
Increase cardiovascular risk.
Excess Salt
May increase blood pressure.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
It is a condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs.
Leg pain during walking is a common symptom.
Atherosclerosis is the most common cause.
Ankle-brachial index and Doppler studies are commonly used.
Yes, avoiding smoking and controlling risk factors helps.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.