Peripheral arterial disease is a condition in which plaque buildup causes partial or complete blockage of the arteries. The plaque results in narrowed arteries that impede proper blood circulation, thus reducing blood flow to the arms and legs. The arteries in the legs are most commonly affected by peripheral arterial disease, but the arteries surrounding the heart and brain may also be affected.
Cause
The most common cause of peripheral arterial disease is a condition called atherosclerosis, in which plaque that is made up of fat, cholesterol and other substances accumulates on the wall of the artery. Eventually the plaque can crack, causing platelets to stick to the lining of the arterial wall and form blood clots. The accumulation of plaque and blood clots results in a narrowed opening of the artery, which causes a decrease in blood circulation. When blood flow is reduced, tissues and cells in the body do not receive enough oxygen.
Symptoms
A lack of sufficient oxygen due to the atherosclerosis of peripheral arterial disease can result in a number of symptoms. The most common symptom is a condition called intermittent claudication, which is characterized by pain, numbness and heaviness or aches in the legs during physical activity. It is most common in those who have atherosclerosis in a number of arteries. Other symptoms include a weak pulse in the legs or feet, wounds on the feet, toes and legs that do not heal, pale skin, low body temperature, decreased hair growth on the legs, decreased nail growth on the toes and erectile dysfunction in men. In approximately half of the cases of peripheral arterial disease, no symptoms are present, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis and resulting peripheral arterial disease include smoking, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and family history. The risk of developing peripheral arterial disease increases with age, especially after the age of 50.
Treatment
Treatment for peripheral arterial disease consists of a combination of lifestyle modifications, medications and surgery. Recommended lifestyle modifications include cessation of smoking, regular physical activity and following a diet that is low in fat, cholesterol and sodium. Lifestyle modifications are often combined with medications that aim to reduce high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Other medications include pain killers to reduce leg pain, blood thinners to reduce the chance of developing blood clots and medication to reduce blood sugar in those with diabetes, according to MayoClinic.com. If lifestyle changes combined with medication are not effective, surgery may be necessary. Surgery options include angioplasty, which is the insertion of stent to open the artery, or bypass surgery, which allows blood to physically bypass the blocked artery.
Complications
Those with peripheral arterial disease that is caused by atherosclerosis are at risk for developing further health problems, such as stroke, heart attack and critical limb ischemia, a condition that occurs when injuries or infections cause tissue death. The tissue death results in open sores that will not heal, along with the possible development of gangrene, and may require amputation, according to MayoClinic.com.
