أمراض الشرايين الطرفية (Peripheral Artery Disease)

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Peripheral Artery Disease

(Diseases)

On this page, you will find everything you need to know about Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).

What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

  • the arteries of the legs. Arteries are hollow tubes with smooth inner linings that prevent blood from clotting and promote steady blood flow. When you have PAD, plaques (made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances) gradually accumulate inside the arterial walls over time. This narrows the arteries, making it difficult for oxygen-rich, nutrient-rich blood from the heart to reach the arms and legs.
  • Stages of peripheral artery disease:
  • Asymptomatic
  • Mild claudication (leg pain during exercise)
  • Moderate to severe claudication

 

Ischemic rest pain (leg pain while at rest)

Ulcers or gangrene

  • What are the symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
  • PAD symptoms include:
  • Severe pain in the feet and toes at rest, especially at night while lying down (the most common and main symptom).
  • Cold skin in the feet.
  • Redness or other changes in skin color.

 

Skin infections (usually in the feet or legs).

Non-healing foot or toe ulcers.

  • What are the causes of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
  • PAD is caused by atherosclerosis occurring in the leg arteries, similar to atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries. Risk factors that increase the chance of PAD include:
  • Smoking.
  • Diabetes.
  • Age 50 years or older.
  • Personal or family history of cardiovascular disease.
  • High blood pressure.
  • High cholesterol.
  • Obesity.

 

Blood clotting disorders.

Kidney disease.

  • How is Peripheral ArteryABIDisease (PAD) diagnosed?
  • The doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. Additional tests may include:
  • Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): measures blood pressure in the arms and legs, then calculates whether perfusion is normal or reduced, indicating PAD.

 

Vascular ultrasound.

Angiography (arteriography): a surgical imaging test to find arterial blockages.

  • What are the treatment options for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

Treatment may involve several approaches depending on the condition, including:

  • Lifestyle modifications: maintaining normal levels of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
  • Medications:
  • Aspirin or other blood thinners to treat clotting.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) to reduce harmful lipids and protect arteries.

  • catheter-based procedure: angioplasty with stents.
  • How can Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) be prevented?
  • Reduce weight.
  • Follow a low-fat, low-sugar diet that includes at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily.

 

Quit smoking.

With your doctor’s approval, exercise at least 30 minutes per day on most days of the week.

What are the complications of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

 

Some patients may require amputation of part of the foot or the entire leg, particularly those with diabetes.

Because the circulatory system is interconnected, the effects of PAD can extend. beyond the affected limb, potentially damaging internal organs such as the kidneys and causing kidney disease, or affecting other limbs.

  • When should you see a doctor?
  • Consult a doctor if you experience:
  • Inability to walk enough to perform daily activities.

Leg pain at rest, which indicates poor blood flow.

Severe infection in a foot ulcer, which may spread to muscles, tissues, blood, or bones.

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