Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) contributes to increased risk for myocardial infarction and stroke.

*Narrowing of arteries which results in reduced blood flow to head, arms, stomach and legs. Usually, affects the arteries in the legs. This causes leg pain while walking.

** Painful cramps can be felt in the hips, calves, or thighs. For some , the pain is manageable and subsides after resting. Others experience more severe pain that can even prevent them from walking.

* Leg numbness and a lower temperature in the lower leg or foot. The reduced blood flow is typical for PAD

*Urgent medical attention is usually recommended by healthcare providers

*May be dangerous or life threatening

*More than 3 million cases a year in the USA

*Treatments can help manage PAD but there is no known cure

Requires lab test or imaging or both

May last many years or be a lifelong condition

CAUSES:

In PAD, the legs or arms — usually the legs — do not receive enough blood flow to keep up with demand. This may cause leg pain when walking (claudication) and other symptoms.

PAD is usually a sign of a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis causes narrowing of the arteries that can reduce blood flow in the legs and, sometimes, the arms.

MANAGEMENT:

The American Heart Association recommends four important lifestyle changes : following a heart-healthy diet, avoiding tobacco smoke/smoking, staying active and achieving a healthy weight.

Other Resources: 2021_PAD-Infographic_8.5x11_Healogics_cropped.pdf

Author

Paddy Kalish OD, JD and B.Arch

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