Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease refers to any disease or disorder of the circulatory system outside of the brain and heart. Although the term peripheral artery disease affects many of the blood vessels, it often is used as a synonym for peripheral vascular disease.

The disease is caused by a build-up of fatty materials (plaque) within the vessels, called atherosclerosis, otherwise known as hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is known for affecting the arteries of the heart (coronary arteries) and the brain (carotid arteries). The walls of the arteries also become stiffer and cannot widen (dilate) to allow greater blood flow when needed, which can injure nerves and other tissues. Of the peripheral arteries, those of the legs are most often affected. Other arteries frequently affected by atherosclerosis include those supplying blood to the kidneys or arms.

If this condition affects the arteries of the heart, it is called coronary heart disease.

causes of peripheral artery disease
symptoms of peripheral artery disease