Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a type of atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries. It affects primarily the legs and feet, and prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching muscles and other tissues. In severe cases, patients can develop ulcers and infections and risk amputation on a leg or foot. A combination of two or more risk factors make it more likely that you will develop a more severe case of PAD than a person with only one risk factor (having a family history of the disease also increases one’s risk).

Peripheal Arterial Disease


Risk Factors for PAD

  • High blood pressure
  • History of smoking
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol (high LDL and low HDL)
  • Inactivity
  • High-fat diet
  • Being overweight

Treatment for Minor PAD

  • Eating a healthy diet to control weight and lower cholesterol.
  • Quitting smoking
  • Exercising regularly.
  • Taking medication to control symptoms and lower cholesterol and blood pressure