Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when a fatty material (plaque) builds up on the inside walls of the arteries that carry blood to the limbs. The plaque build-up narrows the arteries, slowing down the flow of blood to your limbs.
PAD is a common, yet serious disease that affects 8 to 12 million people in the United States; an estimated 5 percent of U.S. adults over age 50 have PAD. Among adults age 65 and older, 12 to 20 percent may have PAD. This disease can impair a person’s physical health and ability to walk.
PAD can also be a signal that there might be a widespread accumulation of plaque in your arteries (atherosclerosis). Early diagnosis and treatment are important to: prevent disability; stop the disease from progressing; and reduce the risk of heart attack, heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for plaque build-up and getting peripheral arterial disease include:
- Diabetes
- Smoking cigarettes or using other forms of tobacco (such as snuff and chew)
- An abnormally high level of cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)
- An abnormally low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL, the good cholesterol)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Family history of cardiovascular disease
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity (too little regular exercise)
- Kidney disease
Ready for an Appointment?
If you're experiencing signs or symptoms of peripheral arterial disease, schedule an appointment or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.
Learn more about our doctors and care team who diagnose and treat peripheral arterial disease.