Peripheral Artery Disease in Legs

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) in the legs is a condition that occurs when blood vessels in the legs become blocked. Your heart circulates blood throughout your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients and removing waste products. When a blood vessel is blocked, then the legs will not receive the right amount of blood or oxygen. PAD that is left untreated can lead to serious health problems.

Causes

• The blood vessels in your legs can become blocked from a condition called atherosclerosis, which is a build up of plaque in the vessel walls. Your risk of PAD naturally increases with age. Your risk is even higher if you smoke, have diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol, if you are overweight or have too much amino acid in your blood.

General Symptoms

• In early stages of peripheral artery disease in the legs, you may not have any symptoms. As the condition progresses, you may notice pain or discomfort in the legs when walking, but notice that it goes away when you rest. Other symptoms in the legs may include the skin feeling cool, changes in skin color, or sensations of cramping, or weakness, especially when going uphill or stairs.

Complications

• If your PAD becomes worse, you may develop ulcers or sores on your feet. They can eventually become black or gray and turn into gangrene. You may also be more susceptible to infections.

Diagnosis

• To diagnose peripheral artery disease in the legs, your physician will do a complete physical exam and will need a history of your symptoms. You will be tested for heart disease or coronary artery disease. Ultrasounds, MRI's and angiography can help to detect blockages in the vessels.

Treatment

• The first stage of treatment is making any necessary lifestyle changes such as losing excess weight, quitting smoking, lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol, and incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to unblock the blood vessel.