A cardiologist holds a stethoscope to check her patient's heart rate and rhythm.

What is peripheral arterial disease?

Also known as peripheral artery disease or peripheral vascular disease, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is plaque buildup in your leg arteries that carry oxygen and nutrient-rich blood from your heart throughout your body. The plaque is known as atherosclerosis and forms gradually along the artery walls.

The plaque buildups can also cause blood platelets to attach to the walls and form a blood clot. If your arteries become narrowed or blocked, blood can’t get through to nourish tissues and organs.

What are the symptoms of peripheral vascular disease?

Early symptoms:
- Intermittent leg discomfort, pain, or cramping
- Numb, weak, tired, or heavy leg muscles
- Pain in your buttocks or thighs
Advanced symptoms:
- Aching pain in your feet or toes while resting
- Cool skin on your feet
- Redness or other color changes in your skin
- Toe and foot sores that don’t heal
- More frequent infections

What are the causes of peripheral artery disease?

Peripheral artery disease is caused by plaque buildup in the arteries of your legs or arms, also known as atherosclerosis. Similar to atherosclerosis in your heart’s arteries, as plaque builds up in the legs and arms, the arteries become narrower and restrict blood flow.

What are the risk factors for peripheral arterial disease?

Smoking. About 80% of people with peripheral arterial disease are current or former smokers.
Aging. People 50 years or older have a higher risk of peripheral vascular disease.
Ethnicity. African Americans have a greater chance of developing peripheral arterial disease.
Family history. Having a personal or family history of heart or blood vessel disease increases your risk.
Other heart conditions. Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and blood clotting disorders all increase your chances of developing peripheral vascular disease.

How do I prevent peripheral arterial disease?

Manage your weight
Eat a low-fat, low-sugar diet, including at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables each day
Avoid using tobacco products
Exercise regularly, with your doctor’s approval

How do you treat peripheral arterial disease?

Outside of recommending lifestyle changes, your doctor may prescribe medications or suggest surgical options to help treat peripheral arterial disease. The types of medications are used to manage various symptoms of the disease, like high cholesterol, hypertension, and blood clots.

Palpitations are sensations you feel when your heart rate speeds up or when you can feel it thumping in your chest. They are common and causes include exercise, stress, and caffeine. Arrhythmias are disruptions in regular heart rhythm and can have more serious symptoms, such as chest pain, light-headedness, and shortness of breath. If you believe you are experiencing arrhythmias, schedule an appointment with a St. Luke’s Health cardiologist.

Caring for your heart health is the best and easiest way to prevent heart disease. Eating a heart-healthy diet, staying active, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding stress can keep your heart strong.