Peripheral Arterial Disease
Alternate Names : Peripheral Atherosclerosis, Chronic Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease
What can be done to prevent the disease?
A person may reduce his or her risk for developing atherosclerosis and peripheral arterial disease by:
controlling blood cholesterol
controlling diabetes
controlling high blood pressure
exercising regularly
eating a heart-healthy diet
not smoking
What are the long-term effects of the disease?
Over time, PAD can cause loss of sensation or weakness in the affected arm or leg. The artery can become so narrowed that the person has pain at rest. When the artery becomes very narrow or blocked, tissue death can set in. This is known as gangrene. When tissue in the limb begins to die, the limb usually has to be amputated.
Persons with PAD have a risk of heart disease and stroke that is three to six times higher than that of other people.
What are the risks to others?
PAD is not contagious and poses no risk to others.
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