WOODS & WATER MEDICAL CENTER

LEARN AND BE HEALTHY

Peripheral Artery Disease
What is peripheral artery disease?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a circulation disorder that is caused by fatty buildups (atherosclerosis) in the inner
walls of arteries. These fatty buildups block normal blood flow. PAD is a type of peripheral vascular disease (PVD),
which refers to diseases of blood vessels outside the heart and brain.

Is peripheral artery disease dangerous?

Yes. In PAD, fatty deposits accumulate in the inner lining of artery walls. These blockages restrict blood circulation,
mainly in arteries leading to the kidneys, stomach, legs, feet, and arms. PAD is a condition similar to coronary artery
disease (fatty buildups in the arteries that supply the heart) and carotid artery disease (fatty buildups in the neck
artery that supplies the brain). People who suffer from PAD often have fatty buildups in the arteries of the brain and
heart, but PAD is their first sign.

What are the symptoms?

Cramping, fatigue, heaviness, or pain in the legs or hips during activity, particularly while walking or climbing stairs,
are common early signs of poor leg circulation. Often the symptoms subside when the activity ceases. Many people
mistake the symptoms of PAD for something else.

How is PAD diagnosed?

During a routine physical exam, your doctor can do a simple test for PAD called the ankle brachial index (ABI).
Further testing might include duplex ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiogram, or CT angiogram.

How is PAD treated?

Most people diagnosed with PAD can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication. Lifestyle modifications,
including an exercise program, usually improve symptoms or prevent them from getting worse. When lifestyle
changes and medication are not sufficient, angioplasty or surgery may be needed.
PAD may require drug treatment, including the following:
 Cilostazol and pentoxifylline to help increase the distance you can walk
 Aspirin and clopidogrel to keep blood platelets from sticking together and triggering a blood clot.
 Statins to help lower cholesterol

What are the major risk factors?

Certain risk factors for PAD cannot be controlled, such as aging or having a family history of cardiovascular disease
or stroke. However, you can control many risk factors.
Lifestyle changes to lower your risk include the following:
 Stop smoking
 Lose weight
 Control diabetes
 Control blood pressure
 Be physically active
 Eat a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol

April 28, 2020