What is peripheral arterial disease?
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is narrowing of the arteries that supply the legs — the same process of artery disease that causes coronary artery disease in the heart. It reduces blood flow to the legs, causing pain on walking and, if severe, wounds that do not heal.
Risk factors
- Smoking — the most important one
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Age over 60
- A family history of artery disease
Symptoms
- Cramping pain in the calf, thigh or buttock that comes on with walking and settles with rest
- Cold or numb feet, weak pulses
- Wounds or ulcers on the feet or legs that heal slowly
- In advanced disease, pain in the feet even at rest
When to seek care
Seek urgent care for sudden severe leg pain with a pale, cold foot, or for any non-healing wound — these can threaten the limb. Call your local emergency services.
How is it diagnosed?
The doctor will examine the pulses in your feet and may measure the blood pressure at the ankle. An ultrasound or angiography can map the narrowings.
Treatment
Stopping smoking is the single most effective step. Supervised walking programmes, medicines to protect the arteries, and strict control of diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol form the foundation. For significant blockages, angioplasty (with stenting) or bypass surgery can restore blood flow.
Related: coronary artery disease · hypertension · angioplasty