Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)/Vascular Disease

Synonyms

Complications of atherosclerosis; Intermittent claudication; Rest pain

Definition

Peripheral arterial disease is the mismatch of blood flow supply and demand in the distal arteries.

Description

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common manifestation of atherosclerosis and is often a complication of hypertension and/or diabetes. It is estimated that PAD affects more than eight million Americans. PAD, or the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques leading to narrowing in noncardiac vasculature, can affect renal arteries, carotid arteries, or any other branch vessels from the aorta like the subclavian artery or iliacs. When patients with PAD become symptomatic, there is a mismatch between the metabolic supply and demand of a tissue. When an upper or lower extremity is involved, PAD may starve the affected muscle of oxygenated blood flow and causes discomfort or pain, usually exacerbated by increased activity of the affected limb. In the lower extremity, this mismatch...