Information for Patients Peripheral Arterial Disease (or PAD) is
when the arteries in your legs become blocked and your legs do
not receive enough blood or oxygen. When you have this disease,
you may have symptoms such as pain or discomfort when you walk.
The pain can occur in your hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, shins,
or upper feet. PAD is caused by the buildup of plaque (substance
made up of cholesterol, calcium and fibrous tissue) in the
arteries of the legs. As more plaque builds up, your arteries
narrow and stiffen. Eventually, enough plaque builds up to
reduce blood flow to your leg arteries. When this happens, your
leg does not receive the oxygen it needs. Once diagnosed, PAD
can sometimes be treated with lifestyle changes such as eating
right and getting plenty of exercise or with medication.
However, in more severe cases, further intervention is needed
and may be recommended by your physician. Angioplasty and stents
are often used to widen the artery, thereby allowing more blood
flow. Angioplasty con