Peripheral artery disease is caused by buildup of fatty materials (atheroma) in arteries that carry blood from the heart to the head, internal organs and the limbs. Overtime this fatty deposits cause circulatory problem that in turn causes narrowing of the arteries and reduce blood flow to the organs to fail. Other causes include blood clots or embolism, congenital heart disease, and inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis).
Men and woman are equally affected by PAD; however, black race/ethnicity is associated with an increased risk of PAD. People of Hispanic origin may have similar to slightly higher rates of PAD compared to non-Hispanic whites. Approximately 8 million people in the United States have PAD, including 12-20% of individuals older than age 60. General population awareness of PAD is estimated at 25%, based on prior studies.
Peripheral artery disease is a warning sign for a more widespread accumulation of fatty deposits or plaques in major arteries that ends up with the hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). This condition will be reducing blood flow to heart and brain and increases the risk of heart attack or stroke.
The reduction of blood flow to the extremities — usually legs — causes leg pain during walking and causes a condition called claudication (pain, fatigue,aching,tightness, weakness, cramping or tingling in the legs). It can also increase skin ulcerations and in severe cases, tissue death in limbs that will end up to leg amputation. PAD leg pain occurs in the muscles, not the joints.
One in every 20 American over age of 50 has PAD. A research funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in June of 2011 revealed only one third of people with PAD, took their medications to control high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
As stated earlier, PAD often goes undiagnosed. Untreated PAD can be dangerous and can cause loss of a leg, increased risk of coronary artery disease and carotid atherosclerosis. The American Heart Association encourages people at risk to discuss PAD symptoms with their healthcare professional to ensure early diagnosis and treatment. By learning about PAD, people can lower their risk for PAD and its other major complications.
.
