Peripheral arterial disease or PAD is a condition where blood circulation is reduced. It is caused by a narrowed or blocked blood vessel. The main cause is atherosclerosis, the building up of fatty deposits in the blood vessels, usually an artery. The narrowed blood vessel reduces the circulation of blood in the body. The peripheral vascular disease mainly affects the blood vessels of the legs and kidneys and, less commonly, the arms. When this condition accelerates cramping begins when you’re moving. This is one of the warning signs of PAD.
Is PAD dangerous or life-threatening?
Yes, PAD is a life-threatening disease that can be fatal or lead to death if left untreated. The blockage restricts the circulation to your limbs and organs, without adequate blood flow, your vital organs, arms, legs, and feet can suffer damage. Untreated, tissue can become infected or die, leading to amputee of the affected part.
Why does PAD matter?
PAD is the abnormal activity of the veins and arteries. The buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries narrows and limits the blood supply to the heart, brain, arms, legs, pelvis, and kidneys. The diseases caused by PAD are;
- AORTIC DISSECTION (AD)
- ATHEROSCLEROSIS
- CHRONIC LIMB-THREATENING ISCHEMIA
- CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY (CVI)
- CONGENITAL VASCULAR MALFORMATION
- DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT)
- KIDNEY FAILURE AND VASCULAR DISEASE
- LYMPHEDEMA
- PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE
- POST-THROMBOTIC SYNDROME (PTS)
- PULMONARY EMBOLISM (PE)
- STROKE
- THORACIC AORTIC ANEURYSM (TAA)
- THROMBOPHILIA
- VARICOSE VEINS
- VASCULAR DEMENTIA
- VASCULITIS
- VEIN OF GALEN MALFORMATION (VOGM)
PAD leads to various diseases that can be life-threatening if left untreated. The symptoms that lead that leads to these diseases are the all same. A proper diet and physical activity can minimize the risk factor of developing PAD. If you feel that you may have PAD get physical assistance from your Doctor.
