Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a circulation problem where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs. PAD affects millions of Americans, more than those currently living with cancer. Yet even though it’s so common, this condition often goes unnoticed until it’s caused huge problems.
What Exactly Is Peripheral Artery Disease?
In simple terms, Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a circulatory problem where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs, most commonly the legs. It’s caused by atherosclerosis, the same process that leads to coronary artery disease. Fatty deposits build up in your artery walls, restricting blood flow and depriving your muscles and tissues of the oxygen they desperately need.
Think of your arteries like water pipes. When sediment and mineral deposits build up inside, water flow becomes restricted. Similarly, when plaque builds up in your arteries, blood flow becomes limited, depriving your tissues of the oxygen they need.
