When talking about pulse points, most people only think of the areas near the side of the neck and on the underside of the wrists. But the pulse can also be felt in the lower extremities, such as behind the knee and on top of the feet. These lower-extremity pulse points are extremely important in diagnosing certain medical conditions. In fact, a wide variety of heart diseases can cause a weak pulse in the legs.
Aortic Coarctation
Aortic coarctation refers to a dangerous narrowing of the aorta, which is the main artery in the heart. Within the heart, oxygen-rich blood is pumped into the aorta before it is delivered to the rest of the body. When the aorta becomes narrow, less blood is able to reach the body. As circulation to the extremities weakens, multiple symptoms appear. Although the condition typically causes high blood pressure in the upper extremities, the lower extremities receive very little blood. As a result, the pulse is weak, the muscles are often underdeveloped and the skin is often pale and cool to the touch.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the valves in the leg veins function improperly. The veins in your legs deliver blood from the legs to the heart. Within the veins, there are multiple valves that encourage efficient blood flow and prevent backflow. Occasionally, these valves become damaged or blockages form within the veins. As a result, blood cannot effectively flow through the legs and return to the heart. Eventually, the accumulation of blood in the legs causes skin changes and swelling. As fluid accumulates and pressure builds, it becomes increasingly difficult for new blood to reach the legs. As a result, the pulse in the legs becomes extremely weak.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Unlike chronic venous insufficiency, peripheral artery disease affects the arteries in the legs, not the veins. The arteries are responsible for delivering blood from the heart to the legs. When peripheral artery disease affects the lower extremities, the arteries in the legs become narrow and stiff. Typically, this narrowing is due to fatty deposits that accumulate along the inside walls of the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. As a result, blood has a difficult time moving into the legs. Along with a weak pulse in the lower extremities, symptoms of peripheral artery disease also include weakness, numbness, pain and skin changes in the legs.
Dangers
Although all types of heart disease and cardiovascular disorders are dangerous, most conditions can be corrected with medications, lifestyle remedies and/or surgical intervention. However, if left untreated, the symptoms of heart disease extend well beyond a weak pulse in the legs. In fact, poor circulation to the lower extremities may eventually lead to open sores, infection and tissue death.
