Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when arteries supplying blood to the legs or other parts of the body become narrowed due to plaque buildup. Reduced blood flow can cause pain, poor circulation, and difficulty walking.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when arteries supplying blood to the legs or other parts of the body become narrowed due to plaque buildup. Reduced blood flow can cause pain, poor circulation, and difficulty walking.
Patients commonly experience leg pain while walking, numbness, cold feet, discoloration of the skin, non-healing wounds, or severe pain at rest in advanced stages.
Diagnosis may involve Doppler studies, peripheral angiography, CT angiography, or vascular imaging. Treatment includes lifestyle modification, medications, peripheral angioplasty, stenting, exercise therapy, and vascular surgery in severe cases.
Early diagnosis helps prevent complications such as ulcers, infections, or limb-threatening circulation problems.
ESC
