Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the legs or lower extremities is the narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs. It is primarily caused by the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries, which is called atherosclerosis. PAD can happen in any blood vessel, but it is more common in the legs than the arms.
Risk factors for PAD
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Atherosclerosis
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Age above 60 years
Treatmet of PAD involves lifestyle modification, regular exercise, diat control, quiting smoking, control of diabetes and cholestrol, anti-coagulant medicines, peripheral vasodialtor medicines.
Patients who dont respont to these measures may requre revascularisation - stents or surgical bypass grafts (Femoro-popliteal grafts)
