Peripheral Arterial Disease or PAD is a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs—usually the legs.

PAD is caused by the buildup of plaque and fatty deposits in the arterial walls which restrict blood circulation. It’s estimated that around 8.5 million Americans are suffering from PAD, yet only a fraction of those with the disease show symptoms. Many people have no idea that they have PAD until it’s too late.

What are the Symptoms of PAD?

The most common symptom of PAD is intermittent claudication, a term used to describe the cramping, pain, or fatigue that occurs in the muscles of the legs when you walk.

The pain typically goes away within a few minutes of rest and occurs only during exertion. However, other symptoms of PAD may include:.

Leg numbness or weakness
Coldness in one or both feet
Sores on feet or legs that won’t heal
Gangrene
Hair loss or slower hair growth on the feet and legs
Slower growth of toenails
Shiny skin on the legs
No pulse or a weak pulse in the legs or feet
Change in color of the legs
Weakness or fatigue in the legs
Impotence (erectile dysfunction)

If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

How is PAD diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of PAD, your doctor will usually perform a physical examination of your legs, feet, and pulses. They may also recommend imaging tests such as:.

Ankle-brachial index test (ABI) which compares blood pressure in your ankle and arm.
Doppler ultrasound imaging which uses sound waves to create images of your blood vessels and look for signs of blockages or narrowing.
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to produce detailed images of your blood vessels.
Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) to create high-resolution images of your blood vessels.

Early diagnosis of PAD may prevent further complications, so it’s important to see your doctor if you have any of the symptoms.

What are the risks of untreated PAD?

The dangers of PAD go beyond just the symptoms of leg pain and cramping. Left untreated, PAD can lead to a number of complications, including:.

Severe muscle damage caused by reduced blood supply
Non-healing wounds on the legs and feet that can lead to infections, amputations, or ulcers that never heal and can become cancerous
Blood clots which can result in heart attack or stroke
Increased risk of coronary artery disease
Bowel incontinence or impotence caused by lack of blood flow

Untreated PAD can also cause gangrene, a condition where tissues in your body start to die. This can happen when blood flow is so severely restricted that there isn’t enough oxygen and nutrients to keep the tissue alive.

Gangrene can be life-threatening and may require amputation of the affected limb.

How is PAD Treated?

The treatment for PAD depends on the severity of the disease and the underlying cause. In mild cases, simple lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet may be enough to reduce the symptoms of PAD.

In more severe cases, medication and surgery may be required to improve blood flow.

Medications that may be prescribed for PAD include:.

Blood-thinning medicines
Cholesterol-lowering medicines
Blood pressure-lowering medicines
Medicines that improve circulation
Medicines to control blood sugar in people with diabetes

Surgical procedures that may be used to treat more severe cases of PAD include:.

Bypass surgery, which involves grafting a healthy blood vessel from another part of your body to bypass the blocked or narrowed artery.
Angioplasty and stenting, which involves inflating a small balloon inside the affected artery to widen it and then placing a small mesh-like tube called a stent to keep it open.
Atherectomy, which involves using a catheter with a rotating shaver or laser tip to remove plaque from the artery.

The type of procedure recommended will depend on the location and severity of the blockage, as well as the overall health of the patient.

Preventing PAD

Preventing PAD can be achieved by taking some steps to reduce your risk factors like:.

Quitting Smoking
Regular Exercise
Avoiding exposure to toxins or hazardous materials
Treating underlying conditions- such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol
Eating a healthy diet
Maintaining a healthy weight

Early detection of PAD is important for successful treatment and can help prevent complications such as gangrene or amputation.

PAD patients must also work closely with their healthcare providers to manage risk factors, such as high cholesterol and blood pressure, to prevent future blockages and to reduce their risk of cardiac events.