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PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), also known as claudication, poor circulation, vascular disease, or hardening of arteries, is a chronic, life-threatening circulatory condition... 

PAD RISK FACTORS

Smoking
Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Atherosclerosis
Age Over 60
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PAD SYMPTOMS

Blockages can restrict blood flow to the muscles, causing muscle cramps, tightness or weakness, especially during activity. In the early stages of PAD, patients may not experience any symptoms. If PAD is not treated, though, blockages may continue to grow and restrict, or even completely block, blood flow. 

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Common symptoms include:​

  • Leg pain when walking

  • Muscle pain or cramping in legs and calf triggered by activity

  • Leg numbness or weakness

  • Coldness on lower leg or foot

  • Sores on toes, legs or feet that won’t heal

  • Change in color of legs

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Source: NIH

PAD INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT

The objective of treating PAD is to enhance blood flow to the limbs by reducing artery narrowing and preventing further deterioration of the condition. In severe cases, surgical interventions like bypass surgery may be necessary. However, timely intervention allows for minimally invasive treatment options that effectively address PAD by removing blockages and widening narrowed blood vessels, ultimately improving blood flow. Some of these interventional procedures include angioplasty, stent placement, and atherectomy.

 

Source: Azura Vascular Care

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Image by Ian Hutchinson

PAD CAUCUS

The CVC supports the work of the
Congressional PAD Caucus.

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