The American Heart Association notes that about 8 million people in the United States have peripheral artery disease, a common form of peripheral vascular disease. Peripheral artery disease results from narrowing of a patient's arteries in her arms and legs, such as from a build up of plaque, which affects blood flow. The plaque that results in the narrowing of the artery contains different substances in the blood, such as excess cholesterol and fat. The Cleveland Clinic points out that many people who have peripheral artery disease do not have symptoms until the affected artery becomes 60 percent narrower.
Intermittent Claudication
The Cleveland Clinic explains that peripheral artery disease patients often have intermittent claudication, which involves pain in the legs. Intermittent claudication can also result in discomfort of cramping in the patient's legs. The leg discomfort from intermittent claudication grows worse when the patient becomes active. When the patient rests, the discomfort lessens. The intermittent claudication occurs in the calf, as well as the thighs or buttocks. Other symptoms of intermittent claudication include fatigue, numbness and weakness. These symptoms make it difficult for the patient to walk or climb stairs.
Wounds
Patients with peripheral artery disease can develop injuries on the affected limbs. For example, patients can have wounds on their feet or toes, which the American Heart Association explains either do not heal or take a long time to heal. Gangrene can also occur, which is tissue death.
Colder Temperature
The MayoClinic.com notes that peripheral artery disease patients experience coldness in either their feet or lower legs. Patients with one colder foot or lower leg will notice the difference when they compare it to the temperature of the unaffected foot or lower leg.
Erectile Dysfunction
Male peripheral artery disease patients can have sexual problems. For example, the MayoClinic.com points out that men can experience erectile dysfunction. With erectile dysfunction, men can have problems getting an erection. Men with erectile dysfunction may also have problems maintaining an erection during intercourse or masturbation.
Skin Appearance Changes
Some peripheral artery disease patients may notice changes to their skin's appearance. Patients may have a change in the color of their legs. For example, some patients may have redness in their legs. The MayoClinic.com explains that patients may also have shiny skin on their legs.
Other Symptoms
Peripheral artery disease may cause other types of symptoms. For example, the MayoClinic.com notes that patients may have no pulse or a weak pulse in their legs or feet. Hair growth may become affected by peripheral artery disease. Hair loss or slower hair growth may occur on the patients' legs and feet. Slower growth of toenails may also result from peripheral artery disease.
