Understanding Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) can cause claudification, which is fatigue or heaviness in the leg muscles. These muscles affect the thighs, calves, and buttocks. People experiencing this symptom may have a hard time walking, climbing stairs, riding a bike, or performing other activities.

PAD affects not only how well you live but also how long you may live. You may find that that you can’t walk as far or for as long as you used to—and that’s frustrating—but if you have PAD, you are also at greater risk for having a heart attack and stroke

Approximately 160,000 to 180,000 of the estimated 18 million Americans with PAD will undergo a limb amputation as a result of PAD-related condition this year, resulting in lower quality of life, high medical costs, and shorter life expectancy

Peripheral arterial disease or PAD is a common circulatory problem that limits the blood flow to your limbs. One of the symptoms of such a disease is a pain in your legs when walking. This disease is often caused by atherosclerosis. In atherosclerosis, fatty deposits (plaques) build up in your arterial walls and reduce blood flow.

While this situation is common with the heart, this could also cause a problem in the lower limbs when blood flow is restricted in certain areas. People who suffer from diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol has a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis.