There are several principle causes or risk factors associated with peripheral artery disease, or PAD. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, or NHLBI, PAD occurs when blood vessels outside the heart narrow, and the principle cause of PAD is atherosclerosis. The NHLBI notes that, although the cause of atherosclerosis is unknown, certain activities or medical conditions can damage the inner arterial walls and lead to serious health problems.
Smoking
Smoking is a risk factor for PAD. According to the New South Wales Cancer Institute—an Australian cancer institute—tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 different types of chemicals, and when a person inhales tobacco smoke, many of these chemicals are carried throughout her body. Chronic exposure to cigarette smoke can cause the inner walls of a person's arteries to harden, and it can make red blood cells sticky such that fatty material may accumulate inside the arteries. PAD may manifest when the build-up of cholesterol and fatty material begins to block or occlude blood flow in the affected artery, and when the arteries begin to harden. The New South Wales Cancer Institute states that smoking is one of the main causes of PAD, responsible for 50 percent of PAD in the lower extremities, and that amputations are a possible long-term complication associated with PAD.
Elevated Blood Pressure
Elevated blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a risk factor for PAD. According to a 2001 study by A. Makin and colleagues published in the "Journal of Human Hypertension," 35 to 55 percent of people with PAD also have hypertension, and people who suffer from hypertension and PAD simultaneously have a significantly increased risk of myocardial infarction, or heart attack, and stroke. The researchers also note that elevated blood pressure is a contributor to the atherosclerosis disease process, which is the basic underlying pathological process that causes PAD. The Health Central website states that, in the early stages of PAD, there are no symptoms, which makes it difficult for a person to know that he has the disease. As PAD progresses, however, a person may begin to experience leg pain or discomfort with walking. According to the Health Central website, those over 50 should be assessed for PAD, especially if they have hypertension.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a risk factor for PAD. According to the American Diabetes Association, or ADA, diabetics are much more likely than other populations to have a heart attack, stroke or PAD. In fact, the ADA states that 1 out of every 3 diabetics over the age of 50 has PAD, although many people with warning signs don't realize they have PAD and don't seek treatment for the condition. The ADA notes that the following symptoms are warning signs of PAD in diabetics: leg pain that disappears after several minutes of rest, numbness, tingling or coldness in the lower extremity, and feet or leg sores or infections that fail to heal quickly. The American Heart Association states that diabetics have a greater likelihood of developing PAD, and that PAD is similar to coronary artery disease and carotid artery disease, except that it affects the arteries leading to locations outside the heart and brain.
References
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Peripheral Arterial Disease
- New South Wales Cancer Institute: Peripheral Arterial Disease and Smoking
- "Journal of Human Hypertension"; Peripheral Vascular Disease and Hypertension; A. Makin, et al.; July 2001
- Health Central: Peripheral Artery Disease
- American Diabetes Association: Peripheral Arterial Disease
