Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is the most common type of peripheral vascular disease (PVD).
Like coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral arterial disease is a form of atherosclerosis – a progressive disease that involves the hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to a gradual buildup of plaque (fatty deposits). Whereas CAD involves the coronary arteries, PAD occurs in the hundreds of arteries outside of the heart (called peripheral arteries).
The major areas where atherosclerosis produces symptoms in the peripheral artery beds are:
- Cerebrovascular, or brain arteries (e.g., carotid and vertebral arteries) – Cerebrovascular disease (including carotid artery disease) is the leading cause of stroke and disability in the United States.
- Renal, or kidney arteries – Renal artery stenosis (PAD of the renal arteries) is a major cause of high blood pressure and renal failure requiring dialysis or transplant.
- Lower extremity, or leg arteries – Lower extremity PAD is a major cause of diminished ability to walk. Advanced cases lead to gangrene, ulcers and amputation of the legs.
- Mesenteric, or intestinal arteries – Mesenteric arterial disease (PAD of the mesenteric arteries) is less common but can cause severe pain, weight loss, and even death from intestinal gangrene.
PAD can be very serious. Left untreated, PAD increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, amputation of lower extremity limbs, and death. A patient with PAD has about five times the risk of dying of a heart attack or stroke over the next ten years as the patient who does not have peripheral arterial disease.
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