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Peripheral artery disease (also called peripheral arterial disease) is a common condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the arms or legs.
In peripheral artery disease (PAD), the legs or arms — usually the legs — don't receive enough blood flow to keep up with demand. This may cause leg pain when walking (claudication) and other symptoms.
Peripheral artery disease is usually a sign of a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries (atherosclerosis). Atheroscl...
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Many people with peripheral artery disease have mild or no symptoms. Some people have leg pain when walking (claudication).
Claudication symptoms include muscle pain or cramping in the legs or arms that begins during exercise and ends with rest. The pain is most commonly felt in the calf. The pain ranges from mild to severe. Severe leg pain may make it hard to walk or do other types of physical activity.
Other peripheral artery disease symptoms may include:...
Peripheral artery disease is often caused by a buildup of fatty, cholesterol-containing deposits (plaques) on artery walls. This process is called atherosclerosis. It reduces blood flow through the arteries.
Atherosclerosis affects arteries throughout the body. When it occurs in the arteries supplying blood to the limbs, it causes peripheral artery disease.
Less common causes of peripheral artery disease include:
The goals of treatment for peripheral artery disease are:
Treatments for peripheral artery disease includes lifestyle changes and sometimes, medication.
Lifestyle changes can help improve symptoms, especially early in the course of peripheral artery disease. If you smoke,...
The best way to prevent leg pain due to peripheral artery disease is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. That means:
For informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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