Peripheral arterial disease results from a narrowing or stenosis of the arteries which supply oxygenated blood to the legs. This is caused by disease in the wall of arteries known as atheroma, which develops gradually over many years. It begins with cholesterol from the blood being deposited within the wall of arteries, leading to the thickening of the artery wall. This results in a narrowing or stenosis of the artery and a reduction of oxygenated blood flow to the leg.
What causes Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?
Raised cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and lack of exercise, may all lead to PAD, however smoking & poorly managed diabetes are the most common causes. PAD occurs throughout the body and its consequences depend on which part of the body is affected. In the legs, the arteries become narrowed so that there is insufficient oxygenated blood supply to the exercising muscle. Therefore, you get a pain or cramp in the leg whilst walking, which disappears after a short rest (Intermittent Claudication).
If the arteries to the heart are affected then this may result in breathlessness, angina (chest pains) or even a heart attack. Similarly, a blockage of the carotid arteries to the brain may result in a stroke. Anyone who suffers with PAD is at much greater risk of atheroma to the arteries that supply the heart and the brain. Therefore, such patients are at increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Who's at risk?
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