1. Fitango Education
Health Topics
Peripheral Vascular Disease
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2. Overview
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) happens when
there is a narrowing of the blood vessels outside of
your heart. The cause of PAD is atherosclerosis.
This happens when plaque, a substance made up
of fat and cholesterol, builds up on the walls of the
arteries that supply blood to the arms and legs.
The plaque causes the arteries to narrow or
become blocked. This can reduce or stop blood
flow, usually to the legs, causing them to hurt or
feel numb. If severe enough, blocked blood flow
can cause tis
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3. Overview
A person with PAD also has an increased risk of
heart attack, stroke and transient ischemic attack.
You can often stop or reverse the buildup of plaque
in the arteries with dietary changes, exercise, and
efforts to lower high cholesterol levels and high
blood pressure.
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4. Symptoms
• Pain in the legs, calves, thighs or hips
• Buttock pain
• A sore on your leg that won't heal
• Loss of hair on the legs
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5. Treatment
• Quit smoking
• Get active
• Eat nutritious food
• Angioplasty
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6. Causes
• Artery disease
• Atherosclerosis - a gradual process in which a
fatty material builds up inside the arteries
• Blood clots
• Inflammation of the arteries
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7. Causes
• Infection
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8. Risks
• Older than 50
• Overweight
• Family history of premature heart attacks or
strokes
• Smoking
• Diabetes
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9. Risks
• High blood pressure
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10. Additional Resources
http://nyp.org/services/allen-hospital/clinical-
services/vascular.html
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