Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when fatty plaques build up inside the arteries that carry blood to the legs and feet. Blood flow slows, and tissues downstream receive less oxygen than they need.
Key takeaways
- The narrowed arteries of PAD also raise the risk of blood clots forming and blocking flow entirely.
- Assessment commonly compares ankle and arm blood pressure and may use vascular imaging; cardiovascular risk factors also need review.
- Management addresses smoking, walking capacity, cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes; antiplatelet treatment is used in appropriate patients to reduce cardiovascular events.
The listings below do not confirm peripheral arterial disease or show whether walking therapy, risk-reduction medicine or a vascular procedure is needed.
Reducing clot risk in PAD
Antiplatelet medicines, which make platelets less likely to clump together, are a standard part of managing this risk. Clopidogrel is one of the most widely used antiplatelet agents for PAD. Alongside medication, stopping smoking, controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, and staying as physically active as possible all slow the disease’s progression. A doctor can assess whether intervention such as angioplasty is appropriate for more advanced cases. If you notice a sudden cold, pale, or numb limb, seek emergency care immediately as this may indicate acute arterial blockage.
When to seek urgent care
Seek emergency care if a foot or leg suddenly becomes painful, pale, cold, numb or weak. A non-healing wound, spreading black tissue, rest pain or signs of infection needs prompt vascular assessment.