Peripheral Artery Disease Basics
What does the acronym “PAD” stand for?
Peripheral Artery Disease
What is a major risk factor for developing PAD?
Smoking
What non-invasive test is often used to check for PAD in the legs?
Ankle-brachial index (ABI) test
Which part of the body is primarily affected by PAD?
The arteries that supply the limbs (especially the legs)
True or false — diabetes increases the risk of PAD.
True
Name one lifestyle change recommended for someone with PAD.
Quit smoking, regular exercise (especially supervised walking), healthy diet
Name one common symptom of PAD.
Leg pain when walking (claudication), coldness in the lower leg or foot, numbness, or sores that won’t heal
Besides blockage by plaque, what is another cause or contributing factor to PAD?
Atherosclerosis (artery narrowing by fatty deposits), high cholesterol, high blood pressure)
What is a possible medical/surgical treatment for severe PAD?
Angioplasty with stenting, bypass surgery, or medications to improve blood flow.