Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem that affects the blood vessels outside the heart and brain. It is caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries that carry blood to your limbs, particularly legs.

This buildup of plaque is made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances present in the blood. As the plaque builds up, it narrows the arteries and reduces the blood flow to your limbs, causing discomfort and pain.

What causes Peripheral Artery Disease?

Peripheral Artery Disease is primarily caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries. The risk factors that increase the chances of developing PAD include:.

Smoking
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Ageing
Obesity
Lack of exercise
Family history of vascular disease

How is Peripheral Artery Disease identified?

Peripheral Artery Disease can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages since the symptoms may be mild, intermittent, or non-existent. However, some of the common symptoms that indicate the presence of PAD include:.

Pain or discomfort in the legs, calves, or thighs during walking or exercising
Leg cramping
Tingling or weakness in the legs
Coldness or numbness in the feet
Sores or wounds that are slow to heal in the legs, feet, or toes
Change in skin color or shine on the legs

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately. Your doctor may use one or more of the following tests to diagnose PAD:.

Ankle-brachial index

Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a simple test that compares the blood pressure in your arm to the blood pressure in your ankle. During this test, your doctor will measure the blood pressure of both your arm and ankle and compare the two.

If the blood pressure in your ankle is significantly lower than the blood pressure in your arm, it may be a sign of PAD.

Doppler ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the blood vessels. During this test, a transducer is placed over the area of the body being examined.

The sound waves create images that show the blood flow through the arteries and identify any blockages or narrowing caused by plaque buildup.

Magnetic resonance angiography

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a non-invasive test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create images of the blood vessels. During this test, you will lie on a table that slides into a machine that creates the images.

The images created by MRA can show the blood flow through the arteries and any blockages or narrowing caused by plaque buildup.

Computed tomographic angiography

Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) is a non-invasive test that uses X-rays to create images of the blood vessels. During this test, you will lie on a table that slides into a machine that creates the images.

The images created by CTA can show the blood flow through the arteries and any blockages or narrowing caused by plaque buildup.

Angiography

Angiography is an invasive test that uses a contrast dye and X-rays to create images of the blood vessels. During this test, a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the site of the suspected blockage.

A contrast dye is then injected through the catheter, which makes the blood vessels visible on X-rays.

Conclusion

Peripheral Artery Disease is a common circulatory condition that can cause significant discomfort and pain in the legs and feet.

The risk factors for developing PAD include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, ageing, obesity, lack of exercise, and family history. Early diagnosis of PAD is important to prevent complications and improve the quality of life. If you experience any of the symptoms of PAD, consult a doctor immediately. Your doctor may use one or more of the tests mentioned to diagnose PAD.