What is Peripheral Artery Disease?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), also known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD), refers to diseases that are caused by obstructions in the large peripheral arteries that carry blood to the legs, feet, arms, stomach, kidneys and head. These obstructions can be caused by fatty deposits that build up in the inner linings of the artery walls (called “atherosclerosis”), inflammation that leads to a narrowing of the artery (called “stenosis”), or a blood clot that either forms within the blood vessel (called “thrombus”) or migrates from one part of the body to another and causes a blockage (called an “embolism”). These obstructions limit blood flow and do not allow supply to keep up with your body’s demands.

Symptoms can include:

• Weakness or painful cramping in the hips, thighs, or calves when walking, climbing stairs, or exercising (called “claudication”).
• Leg pain that persists after you stop walking or exercising and may be relieved by sitting or lying down.
• Foot wounds that heal slowly or not at all.
• A marked difference in color or temperature of one limb when compared with the other.
• Diminished hair and nail growth on the affected limb(s), finger(s) or toe(s).