Peripheral Vascular Disease
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD): poor circulation in the legs
What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a common condition which arteries of the legs start to narrow. It’s similar to coronary artery disease (CAD).
Both of these conditions are caused by a build-up of fatty deposits or atheroma, made up mostly of cholesterol in a process called atherosclerosis.
The build-up of atheroma and narrowing of the walls of the arteries makes the arteries narrower which restricts blood flow to the legs.
The condition affects 9% of the population, but will only cause symptoms or problems in a quarter of affected people.
Many people with PAD have no symptoms at all.
But some patients will experience symptoms such as pain, tiredness or cramping in the buttock, thigh or calf muscles while walking or climbing stairs, otherwise known as claudication.
Normally, this pain goes away with rest and returns when you walk again.
Many people mistake the symptoms of PAD for something else, or other conditions can mimic the symptoms of PAD.
Sometimes they will go for years without being diagnosed by a professional.
What are the risks?
People suffering from peripheral arterial disease have a much higher risk of heart attack or stroke.
In some cases, PAD can lead to infections, ulcers and gangrene of your limbs.
Your risk of developing PAD increases, as you get older and it’s estimated that around one in every five people over 60 years old are affected by the condition to some degree.
Men tend to develop the condition more often than women and there are certain things that can increase your chances of developing PAD and other forms of CVD, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking.
By tackling these risk factors, you may be able to reduce your chances of developing PAD.
PAD is largely treated through lifestyle changes and medication.
The underlying causes should also be addressed, such as reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol, and diabetes.
Medication, lifestyle changes and in some cases surgery, can be used to improve the blood flow in your legs.
Treatment information
Read more about the procedures that may be discussed at your appointment.