Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is the buildup of plaque in the peripheral arteries of the body can lead to PAD in the legs and feet, or in other areas. PAD is sometimes referred to as peripheral vascular disease (PVD).

PAD occurs when the arteries that carry blood to the limbs are narrowed or blocked. This is usually due to a buildup of a fatty substance called plaque in the walls of the arteries. PAD most often affects the arteries in the legs. When these arteries are narrowed or blocked, blood flow to the legs is reduced. This can cause leg and foot pain and other symptoms.

If severe enough, reduced blood flow to the legs can lead to tissue death (gangrene) and the loss of a toe, foot, or leg. Having PAD also makes it more likely that arteries in other body areas are blocked. For instance, arteries that carry blood to the heart or brain may be affected. This raises the chances of heart attack and stroke.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing PAD, including:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Unhealthy cholesterol levels (high LDL, low HDL)
• Obesity
• Inactive lifestyle (lack of regular exercise)
• Older age (risk increases after age 50)
• Family history of PAD, heart disease or stroke

Symptoms

Many people with PAD experience no symptoms, making regular screenings important—especially for those at high risk. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Pain or cramping in the calves, thighs, or hips that worsens with walking and improves with rest (intermittent claudication)
• Leg fatigue, weakness, or heaviness
• Numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation in the legs
• Changes in skin color or temperature (pale, blue, or shiny skin)
• Slow-healing sores or ulcers on the feet and legs
• Cold feet, toes, or lower legs compared to the rest of the body

Treatment

Treatment for PAD focuses on improving blood flow, relieving symptoms and preventing complications like ulcers, infections or limb loss. The best approach depends on the severity of the disease, overall health, and individual risk factors.

Lifestyle and Medical Management

For many patients, lifestyle changes and medications can help slow the progression of PAD and reduce symptoms:

• Regular exercise (such as supervised walking programs) to improve circulation
• Smoking cessation to prevent further artery damage
• Healthy diet to manage cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar
• Medications to lower cholesterol, control blood pressure, prevent blood clots, and reduce leg pain

Minimally Invasive Procedures

If blood flow is significantly blocked, minimally invasive treatments may be needed to restore circulation:

• Angioplasty and stenting – A small balloon is used to open narrowed arteries, and a stent may be placed to keep the artery open.
• Atherectomy – A tiny device is used to remove plaque from the artery walls.

Surgical Options

For severe PAD cases, surgery may be required:

• Bypass surgery – A graft is used to reroute blood around a blocked artery.
• Endarterectomy – A procedure to remove plaque from the artery

AtlantiCare’s vascular specialists provide expert, personalized treatment plans to help patients manage PAD and improve their quality of life.

Prevention

Preventing PAD starts with making heart-healthy lifestyle choices that improve circulation and reduce plaque buildup. Steps to lower your risk include:

• Quit smoking: Smoking damages arteries and is the biggest preventable PAD risk factor.
• Manage diabetes: Keeping blood sugar levels in check helps prevent vascular complications.
• Control blood pressure & cholesterol: Medications and lifestyle changes can help maintain healthy levels.
• Stay active: Regular walking and low-impact exercise improve blood flow and reduce symptoms.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains supports vascular health.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Losing excess weight reduces strain on the arteries.
• Routine screenings: Regular checkups with your doctor can help detect PAD early, especially if you have risk factors.