Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a common circulation problem in which the arteries that carry blood to the legs become narrowed or clogged. This interferes with the normal flow of blood, sometimes causing pain, but often causing no symptoms at all. The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, often called "hardening of the arteries." Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and family history are the biggest risk factors for developing PAD. Twelve to 20 percent of Americans older than 65 suffer from peripheral arterial disease (PAD) but only one-third are symptomatic. Left untreated, PAD is a progressive disease that may become severe enough that the reduced blood flow causes chronic skin breakdown or infections, especially in diabetics, that may ultimately require amputation.
The diagnosis of PAD is a red flag because atherosclerosis in the legs typically indicates that the same process is going on in the arteries of the heart and brain. Not surprisingly, PAD is associated with other life-threatening vascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke. Early detection and treatment of PAD can reduce the chance of future stroke, heart attack, and early death.
Typical symptoms of PAD include a painful cramping or tightening sensation in the muscles of the leg or buttock that usually begins after walking short distances and goes away after a minute or two of resting. These symptoms occur because narrowed or blocked arteries cannot supply the muscles of the leg with enough blood flow for continued use. This symptom is called claudication. Severe PAD can lead to wounds or ulcers in the feet or ankles that are difficult to heal because of the poor blood flow. Severe PAD can also cause blue, black or purpleish discolroation of the toes or constant foot pain. Untreated severe PAD can lead to gangrene as well as severe infections of the legs and feet that may require amputation.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a gradual process in which cholesterol and scar tissue build up, forming a substance called "plaque" that clogs the blood vessels. In atherosclerosis, the blood flow channel narrows from the buildup of this plaque, preventing blood from passing through as needed, restricting oxygen and other nutrients from getting to normal tissue. The arteries also become rigid and less elastic, and are less able to react to tissue demands for changes in blood flow. Many of the risk factors - high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes - may also damage the blood vessel wall, making the blood vessel prone to diffuse plaque deposits.
For more information about PAD, or to schedule an appointment, please call (916) 783-8114 (in Roseville) or (916) 732-7777 (in Sacramento).
