Peripheral Arterial Disease
What causes it?
The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis,
which is the build-up of plaque (fatty deposits)
inside the arteries. This causes the arteries to
narrow and harden, reducing blood flow.
Other causes include:
• Diabetes: high blood sugar can weaken and
damage the vein walls, causing them to narrow
• Arteritis: caused by some autoimmune
diseases, arteritis is the inflammation of
arteries
• Clots: blood clots can lodge in the vessel,
blocking the flow of blood
• Infections: eg syphilis and salmonellosis can
cause scarring and narrowing of the blood
vessels
What are the signs and symptoms?
What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), is the reduced
circulation of blood to any part of the body and is
the medical condition relating to “poor circulation”.
PAD most commonly affects circulation in legs and
kidneys, and less commonly the arms. This lack of
blood flow means the affected area can no longer
receive the nutrients it needs to function properly
and if left untreated can lead to more serious
complications.
How common is it?
PAD generally affects around 10-15% of the
population. In 50% of cases there are no symptoms,
meaning under-diagnosis is common.
Who is more at risk?
People with the following risk factors have an
increased likelihood of developing PAD:
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Advancing age
• Being male
• Inactivity
• Being overweight or obese
• Family history of vascular disease
• Medical history of stroke or heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
In roughly half of all cases there are no noticeable
symptoms. Similarly, it is quite common for people
to disregard symptoms such as aching legs as
a result of ageing. If you do notice any of the
symptoms below it’s important to get checked by a
Doctor.
Common symptoms often include:
• Muscle pain, cramps or heaviness (usually in
the legs)
• Wounds that take longer than usual to heal
• Burning, coldness or numbness
• Discoloured and shiny skin in the affected area
• Hair loss in the affected area
What are the potential complications?
People with PAD are up to six times more likely to
suffer a heart attack or stroke.
Other complications include:
• Critical limb ischemia, which is when skin
infections progress into tissue death (gangrene)
• High blood pressure
• Hypertension
• Blood clots
• Organ damage
• Varicose veins
• Kidney issues
• Permanent numbness, tingling or weakness in
legs and feet
• Permanent aching or burning in legs or feet
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What treatments are available?
Your Doctor will consider the best option for treatment depending on your specific conditions and
circumstances. The following is a list of common treatment methods:
Exercise
The most effective treatment for PAD is regular exercise. You may have to begin slowly and work up, but
your Doctor can provide an exercise plan based on your individual condition.
Quit smoking
If you smoke, quit. As well as numerous health risks, smoking damages blood vessels and causes
atherosclerosis.
Diet
A diet high in fibre and low in cholesterol and saturated fats is important to reduce cholesterol levels. For
more information about foods that can help improve circulation, read our article ‘Nutrition for Improved
Circulation’. A dietician can also help you make the best dietary changes.
Medication
Your doctor may prescribe medication to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels and to prevent blood
clots.
Angioplasty
This involves threading a catheter into the narrowed vessel and inflating a tiny balloon on its tip. This
balloon then stays in place and opens up the vessels, improving blood flow. Angioplasty is usually
considered a temporary treatment.
Stents
These ‘metal sleeves’ are implanted during an angioplasty to keep the vessel open.
Circulation devices
The Veinoplus Arterial is a pocket-sized electrostimulation device that triggers deep calf contraction, and
can be used to improve circulation and relieve symptoms of PAD. Read more about Veinoplus here.
If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above or are concerned
you may be at risk of developing Peripheral Arterial Disease please see
your Doctor, who may refer you to a vascular surgeon for an expert
assessment and discussion of treatment options.
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