Peripheral Artery Disease

When dealing with Peripheral Artery Disease, a common circulatory problem where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. Also known as PAD, it often stems from Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque inside arterial walls that hardens and narrows vessels. Doctors frequently confirm the condition with the Ankle‑Brachial Index, a simple, non‑invasive test that compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm. When plaque blocks flow, patients may feel pain while walking, known as intermittent claudication, and the disease can progress to critical limb ischemia if left untreated. Understanding how PAD ankle‑brachial index works helps catch the problem early, before complications arise.

Risk factors, symptoms, and how doctors evaluate PAD

Key health issues such as smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension act as powerful drivers that accelerate plaque formation in leg arteries. These Cardiovascular Risk Factors, conditions that increase the chance of heart and blood‑vessel disease don’t just affect the heart—they directly influence PAD development. Typical signs include leg fatigue, cramping, numbness, or sores that won’t heal. Because symptoms often mimic normal aging, many people overlook them. Primary care providers usually start with a physical exam, ask about walking distance before pain starts, and then order an ankle‑brachial index. An index lower than 0.9 strongly suggests PAD, prompting further imaging like duplex ultrasound or CT angiography to map the blockage.

When the blockage is significant, treatment moves beyond lifestyle changes. First‑line advice covers quitting smoking, exercising, and controlling blood sugar and lipid levels. If symptoms persist, doctors turn to Endovascular Treatment, minimally invasive procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, or atherectomy that reopen narrowed vessels. In severe cases, surgical bypass may be required. These interventions aim to restore blood flow, relieve pain, and protect the limb from damage. Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that dive deeper into each aspect—risk assessment, diagnostic tools, medication choices, and cutting‑edge therapies—so you can navigate PAD confidently and take actionable steps toward better vascular health.