Woods & Water Medical Center

1019 South Knowles Avenue

New Richmond, WI 54017
(715) 246-6561
www.WWMC.com

LEARNANDBEHEALTHY
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 disease 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 arteries 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