What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

person in leggings sitting on couch holding knee in pain

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem that affects millions of people worldwide. According to Dr. Christopher J. Bosarge,”PAD is a growing concern, especially among older adults, smokers, and people with diabetes or high blood pressure.” It’s no wonder that it comes up so frequently; more than 6.5 million Americans over the age of 40 suffer from the disorder, which can be serious without proper treatment. 

Why is this illness so common? What are the symptoms of PAD, and how can you prevent it? In this blog, Dr, Bosarge and the team at Coastal Vascular & Interventional provide answers to these questions.

What is PAD?

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by the narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen to the muscles. PAD can cause pain, discomfort, and other symptoms that can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for PAD.

diagram of vascular system including the heart. a close up of a human vein with cross section showing the blood cells moving through them

What Causes PAD?

PAD is typically caused by a buildup of plaque in the walls of the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fatty deposits, calcium, and other substances that can accumulate and harden in the arteries over time, leading to reduced blood flow.

Other factors that can contribute to PAD include:

  • Smoking: Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for PAD, as it can damage the lining of the arteries and promote the buildup of plaque.
  • Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing PAD due to high levels of glucose in the blood, which can damage the arteries and increase the risk of atherosclerosis.
  • High Blood Pressure: Hypertension can damage the arteries and contribute to the buildup of plaque, leading to reduced blood flow to the legs and feet.
  • High Cholesterol: Elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase the risk of atherosclerosis, leading to PAD.
older woman laying on bed stretching forward over to grab her shins

How can PAD Threaten my Health?

A diagnosis of PAD is potentially serious. When blood flow is blocked, the oxygen that sustains tissue life is also thwarted. In severe cases, PAD can block the blood flow and cause tissue death that can lead to a leg or foot amputation.

PAD can cause a number of nasty complications that threaten your health, and possibly your life, such as:

  • Critical limb ischemia, which is when an extremity sore causes tissue death
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke

Given the serious complications associated with the disease, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent PAD if you know you are at risk. This includes maintaining a healthy diet, exercise, weight loss, and quitting smoking.

Person sitting in bed grabbing and squeezing left calf

What are the Symptoms of PAD?

PAD can cause a range of symptoms, including:

  • Pain, cramping, or fatigue in the legs, especially during physical activity.
  • Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet.
  • Weakness or heaviness in the legs.
  • Coldness in the legs or feet.
  • Sores or wounds on the legs or feet that do not heal.
  • Changes in skin color or texture on the legs or feet.
  • Hair loss and shiny skin in the area you feel pain
  • Toenails that seem to grow slowly or not at all.

It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, as they can be a sign of PAD or other underlying conditions.

X Ray, Ultrasound or MRI of an internal organ

How Is PAD Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of PAD typically involves non-invasive tests such as the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test, Doppler Ultrasound, or Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA). 

In some cases, invasive tests such as angiography or arteriography may be necessary to provide more detailed information about the condition of the arteries.

a doctor examining the knee and lower leg of a patient

What are the Treatment Options?

The treatment of PAD typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and minimally invasive procedures. “Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly, can help improve circulation and reduce the risk of complications from PAD,” Dr. Bosarge explains. Medications such as aspirin, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and blood pressure medication may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

Minimally invasive procedures, such as angioplasty, stenting, and atherectomy, can help improve blood flow to the legs by opening up blocked or narrowed arteries. Dr. Bosarge emphasizes that these procedures are generally safe and effective and can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to bypass or remove the blockage in the affected arteries.

PAD is a common condition that can have severe complications if left untreated.  Dr. Bosarge and his team at Coastal Vascular & Interventional stresses the importance of recognizing and reporting any symptoms of the disease and seeking medical attention promptly. Call us to improve your health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is peripheral artery disease?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a vascular condition in which the arteries that supply blood to your limbs—most often your legs—become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). This restricts circulation and can cause pain, numbness, or changes in skin health.

The main cause is atherosclerosis, which occurs when fatty deposits build up on artery walls. People who smoke, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol are at greater risk. Age, obesity, and a family history of vascular disease can also increase your likelihood of developing PAD.

The most common symptom is leg pain or cramping during walking or exercise (called claudication) that improves with rest. Other signs include cold or pale legs and feet, slow-healing sores, or weak pulses in the legs. Some people are asymptomatic, especially in the early stages of PAD.

Your vascular specialist may perform a physical exam and recommend tests such as an ankle-brachial index (ABI), Doppler ultrasound, or angiography to evaluate blood flow and detect blockages. These tests help determine the severity of PAD and guide your treatment plan.

Treatment depends on how advanced the disease is. Mild cases can often be managed with lifestyle changes like exercise, a heart-healthy diet, and quitting smoking. Medications may also be prescribed to manage cholesterol or prevent clots. For more severe cases, minimally invasive procedures such as angioplasty or stent placement may be recommended by your vascular care team.

Without treatment, PAD can worsen and lead to critical limb ischemia, which causes severe pain, slow-healing wounds, and tissue damage. It also increases your risk of heart attack and stroke because it indicates widespread atherosclerosis in other parts of the body.

The best prevention involves living a healthy lifestyle. Quit smoking, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Regular checkups with your vascular specialist can help monitor your condition and maintain arterial health.