Overview
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, usually the legs, leading to pain and mobility issues.
Symptoms
Leg pain or cramping while walking (intermittent claudication) Numbness or weakness in legs Coldness in lower leg or foot Sores or wounds that heal slowly Changes in skin color or shiny skin on legs
Causes
Atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty deposits in arteries) Smoking Diabetes High blood pressure and high cholesterol Inflammation of blood vessels
Diagnosis
Physical examination (checking pulses) Ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurement Ultrasound or angiography Blood tests for cholesterol and diabetes
Treatment
Lifestyle changes (exercise, quitting smoking) Medications to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, or prevent clots Surgical procedures such as angioplasty or bypass in severe cases Foot care to prevent ulcers and infections