Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that reduces blood flow to parts of the body, most often the legs and feet. It happens when arteries become narrowed or blocked, making it harder for oxygen-rich blood to reach your muscles and tissues.
PAD is also sometimes called peripheral vascular disease. It is often caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty deposits called plaque inside the arteries. This is the same process that can lead to coronary artery disease and other heart and vascular conditions.
PAD can develop slowly over time. Some people do not have symptoms at first. Others may notice leg pain, cramping, numbness or weakness, especially when walking or being active. Because PAD can increase the risk of serious complications, early diagnosis and treatment are important.
At Banner Health, our vascular specialists can help diagnose PAD, manage symptoms and recommend treatment options to improve blood flow and lower your risk of complications.
The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis. Over time, plaque can build up along the artery walls. As the arteries become narrower, less blood can flow through them.
PAD most often affects the legs but can also affect the arms and other areas of the body. In some cases, PAD may be linked to inflammation, blood vessel injury or other vascular conditions.
PAD is more common in people who smoke, have diabetes, have high blood pressure, have high cholesterol or are older than 60. Your risk may also be higher if you have a personal or family history of heart or vascular disease.
Many people with PAD have no symptoms. When symptoms do happen, they often include leg pain or cramping during activity that improves with rest. This is sometimes called claudication.
Other symptoms may include:
Learn more about PAD symptoms and risk factors.
PAD is often diagnosed with a physical exam and a simple test that compares blood pressure in your ankles and arms. This test is called an ankle-brachial index, or ABI.
Your provider may also recommend imaging tests to see how well blood is moving through your arteries and where narrowing or blockages may be located.
Learn more about diagnosing PAD.
PAD treatment depends on your symptoms, overall health and how much the arteries are narrowed or blocked. For many people, treatment starts with lifestyle changes and medications to improve blood flow and lower the risk of heart attack, stroke or other complications.
Treatment may include:
Learn more about PAD treatment.
Talk to a health care provider if you have leg pain when walking, foot wounds that are slow to heal, numbness, weakness or signs of poor circulation. Getting care early can help protect your mobility and reduce the risk of serious complications.
Seek emergency care right away if you have sudden severe leg pain, a cold or pale limb, sudden weakness or loss of movement, or symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.
Peripheral artery disease can affect your comfort, mobility and long-term health. Banner Health offers diagnosis, treatment and ongoing vascular care to help improve blood flow and manage your risk.
Find a Banner Health vascular specialist or schedule an appointment today.
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