Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.)
What is P.A.D.?
Arteries Clogged With Plaque
Peripheral arterial disease, or P.A.D., occurs when the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the head, organs, and limbs become clogged with a substance called plaque. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances in the blood.
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When plaque builds up in the arteries, the condition is called atherosclerosis. Over time, plaque can harden and narrow the arteries. This limits or blocks the flow of oxygen-rich blood to organs and other parts of the body.
P.A.D. usually affects the legs, but it can also affect arteries that carry blood to the head, arms, kidneys, and stomach.
Why is P.A.D. Dangerous?
Over time, the plaque may crack and cause blood clots to form. These blood clots can block arteries, causing pain, numbness, inflammation, and even permanent tissue damage in the affected part of the body. If severe enough, blocked blood flow can cause tissue death (also called gangrene.) In very serious cases, this can lead to leg amputation.
P.A.D. currently affects 8 million to 12 million American. African Americans are more than twice as likely as Caucasians to have P.A.D.
If you have P.A.D., your risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, and transient ischemic attack ("mini-stroke") is much higher than in people without P.A.D.
Although P.A.D. is serious, it is treatable. If you have the disease, it's important to see your doctor regularly and treat the underlying atherosclerosis.
