What Is Peripheral Artery Disease?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which arteries supplying the legs become narrowed or blocked, most commonly because of atherosclerosis.

The most typical symptom is leg pain or cramping during walking that improves with rest.

Other symptoms may include:

• Leg fatigue
• Reduced walking distance
• Cold feet
• Numbness
• Slow-healing wounds
• Skin color changes

Diagnosis may include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
• Doppler ultrasound
• CT angiography
• MR angiography
• Conventional angiography when intervention is being considered

Treatment focuses on smoking cessation, exercise, cardiovascular risk-factor control, and appropriate medical therapy.

In selected patients with significant symptoms or severe arterial obstruction, endovascular treatment or surgical revascularization may be required.