Periphery arterial disease (PAD) is a common vascular condition where narrowed arteries, usually due to plaque buildup, reduce blood flow to the legs and may lead to symptoms like leg pain when walking or cramps. This condition, when diagnosed early, is treatable.
Anyone can develop PAD, though your risk increases with age. It common affects the buttocks, legs or feet and sometimes, the arms. It may also indicate a possible heart attack or stroke.
The first symptoms for PAD is usually leg discomfort when you are active, this is due to your arteries being unable to keep up with your muscles' increased demand for blood. This discomfort extends to cramping or numbness in your calves, thighs or butt, when engaging in physical activities.
As PAD worsens, you may experience leg pain even when resting. However, many suffering from PAD have no symptoms and it is only diagnosed through screenings.
Other possible symptoms include:
Atherosclerosis, the gradual buildup of plaque in your arteries, is the most common cause of PAD. This buildup narrows the space where blood can flow.
Other common causes of PAD include:
You have a high risk of developing PAD if you:
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
A common test used to diagnose PAD. It compares the blood pressure in the ankle with the blood pressure in the arm.
Blood Test
A blood test may be done to check for factors that increase the risk of PAD, such as high cholesterol or high blood sugar.
Imaging Test
Your healthcare provider may conduct an ultrasound or angiography to look at how blood moves through the blood vessels and to check for blockages in the arteries.
