What Is Peripheral Artery Disease?

Peripheral artery disease is similar to coronary artery disease.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is an atherosclerotic narrowing or blockage of the inside of the peripheral arteries that carry blood away from the heart and brain to other parts of the body. The most common type is lower-extremity PAD. This is when blood flow is reduced to the legs and feet. Upper-extremity PAD affects the arms, hands and fingers. It is much less common than lower-extremity PAD.

Both PAD and coronary artery disease are commonly caused by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries that narrows or blocks them throughout the body, including in the heart, brain, arms, legs, pelvis, kidneys and other organs. 

Atherosclerosis and PAD

If you have atherosclerosis, plaque has built up inside your artery walls. Plaque is made of deposits of fats, cholesterol and other substances. Atherosclerosis in the peripheral arteries is the most common cause of PAD.

To see how plaque limits blood flow, view our interactive PAD library.

First, plaque builds up enough to narrow the middle of an artery. This reduces blood flow. If that plaque becomes brittle or inflamed, it may break apart. This causes a blood clot to form. A clot can further narrow the artery or completely block it.

If the blockage remains in the peripheral arteries of the legs, it can cause:

• Pain when walking
• Changes in skin color
• Difficulty walking
• Sores or ulcers on the legs or feet

Total loss of blood flow to the legs and feet can cause gangrene and the loss of a limb.

Symptoms and effects of PAD

The most common symptoms of lower-extremity PAD are cramping, fatigue, aching, pain or discomfort in the leg or hip muscles while walking or climbing stairs. This pain usually goes away within a few minutes of rest and returns when walking again. 

Be aware that:

• Many people mistake the symptoms of PAD for something else, such as arthritis in the hip, ankle or foot.
• PAD often is missed by health care professionals.
• People with PAD have a higher risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke.
• If untreated, PAD can lead to gangrene and amputation. 

Managing PAD

If you’re at risk or have been diagnosed with PAD, know that:

• PAD is diagnosed in a simple, painless way.
• You can take control. Follow your health care professional’s guidance and try to make heart-healthy choices.
• Some cases of PAD can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication.

It’s important to learn the facts about PAD. The more you understand, the more you can help your health care team make an early diagnosis. PAD has common symptoms, but many people with PAD never have any symptoms.

Talk to your health care team and take control of your cardiovascular health.