Peripheral Arterial Disease Facts and Causes

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) is a generalized term referring to a spectrum of vascular disorders that alter the structure or function on any non-coronary artery. Atherosclerosis is the most common vascular disorder affecting the peripheral arteries (Ali & Carman, 2012). Atherosclerosis, commonly known as hardening of the arteries, is a general vascular disorder that can be located in any blood vessels throughout the body. It causes a reduction of blood flow and loss of function. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a blood vessel disease resulting from atherosclerosis. PAD focuses on how that reduced blood flow affects the lower extremities. PAD affects approximately 8.5 million adults 40 and older in the United States (Kohlman-Trigoboff, 2013).

PAD may be underdiagnosed due to the fact that is can be asymptomatic. It is estimated that as many as half of people with PAD have no symptoms. An artery may have a 60% or greater narrowing before symptoms are felt. This may be due to collateral circulation, where the body develops arties to bypass the hardened arteries (Vascular Disease Foundation, 2012). PAD can be a clinical indicator of more serious vascular disease and can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. (Olin & Sealove, 2010). Early diagnosis and treatment can be effective in management of this and other vascular diseases.

Peripheral Arterial Disease is most commonly a result of atherosclerosis, the narrowing and hardening of the arteries. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Over time, plaque can build up and harden and narrow the arteries. This limits blood flow throughout the body. PAD occurs if plaque builds up in the major arteries that supply oxygen-ri...

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