CIIVES Central India Institute of Vascular and Endovascular Sciences

Peripheral Artery Disease

Did you know your legs can also have a “heart attack”?

Just like blocked arteries in the heart cause a heart attack and need angioplasty, Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) blocks blood flow to your legs, arms, or other parts—and may require a peripheral angioplasty to restore circulation.

What Is PAD?

PAD or peripheral artery disease, causes narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup. This reduces blood flow, leading to pain while walking & other symptoms.

Walking pain caused by PAD is called intermittent claudication, a term that means “to limp.”

Peripheral artery disease

Signs & Symptoms

PAD symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen over time. Here are the common signs and symptoms to watch out for:

Intermittent claudication caused by PAD

Intermittent Claudication

Muscle pain or cramping occurs on walking short distances and is relieved on rest. Pain reappears when the patient walks again.
Severe burning pain even at rest due to severely reduced blood flow

Rest Pain

  • Severe burning pain even at rest due to ischaemia – severely reduced blood flow.
  • Worsens at night, may disturb sleep.
Non-healing ulcers on toes due to poor circulation may progress to gangrene (blackening) if not treated.

Ulcers/Gangrene

Non-healing ulcers on toes due to poor circulation. May progress to gangrene (blackening) if not treated.
Many aneurysms go unnoticed because they grow slowly without pain or other signs

No Symptoms?

This is because of two reasons:

  • Low Activity: Mild/moderate PAD patients do not experience claudication due to inactivity.
  • Misinterpretation: Discomfort during walking is misjudged as ageing.

Treatment Options

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle Changes​

Quit smoking, exercise regularly, and follow a healthy diet to control cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes.

Medications​

Medicines are used to control blood pressure, lower cholesterol, prevent clots, and ease symptoms.

Angioplasty & Stenting

Opens narrowed arteries using a balloon. A small mesh tube (stent) keeps the artery open.

Bypass Surgery

Creates a new route for blood flow when arteries are severely blocked.

PAD Results: Before & After

Resources

Read More

Explore related articles to know more about PAD, ways to prevent it, and how to care for yourself after treatment.

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