Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) also known as Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) is a disorder that occurs in the arteries of the circulatory system. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart and to all areas of the body. Veins return blood back to the heart. Like the blood vessels of the heart (coronary arteries) , your peripheral arteries (blood vessels outside the heart) also may develop atherosclerosis - the build-up of fat and cholesterol deposits, called plaque, on the inside walls. Over time, the build-up narrows the artery. Eventually the narrowed artery causes less blood to flow to the body's tissues and a condition called ischemia can occur. A blockage in the legs can lead to leg pain or cramps with activity, changes in skin color, sores or ulcers and feeling tired in the legs. Total loss of circulation can lead to gangrene and loss of limb without appropriate intervention.

Symptoms of PAD
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) can build up over a lifetime, and the symptoms may not become obvious until later in life. Usually the first noticeable symptom of PAD is cramping of the leg muscles during walking. The pain can be severe enough to interfere with normal daily activities. Upon rest, the muscles require less blood flow and the pain goes away. Other symptoms may include numbness, weakness, heaviness, or muscle fatigue. Many people with early PAD may not notice any symptoms.

Advanced PAD symptoms may include:

• Burning or aching in the feet and toes while resting, especially at night while lying flat
  
• Cool skin temperature in the feet
  
• Color changes in the skin
  
• Non-healing toe and foot sores
  

PAD Risk Factors
You may be at risk for developing PAD when one or more of the following risk factors are present:

• Smoking
  
• Diabetes
  
• Older Age
  
• Male - PAD affects both men and women, but occurs slightly more often in men
  
• High Blood Pressure
  
• High Cholesterol

Diagnosing PAD
The following non-invasive ultrasound imaging help to diagnosis PAD and are performed in the office:

• Venous Doppler
  
• Arterial Doppler
  
• Peripheral Doppler
  
• Abdominal Doppler
  
• Other out-patient testing that may include angiography, CT scan or MRA

PAD Treatment
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) treatments vary depending upon the severity of the disease and include:

• Lifestyle modification (Diet, Exercise, No Tobacco Use, Control Blood Pressure and Cholesterol)
  
• Medications (to Reduce Fat and Cholesterol)
  
• Endovascular Therapy (Balloon Angioplasty, Atherectomy, Stenting, Thrombolysis)
  
• Surgery (Bypass Surgery)