Close look on peripheral arterial disease

Fact Checked

Peripheral arterial disease affects the arteries of the circulatory system. The arteries are blood vessels responsible for moving oxygenated blood from the heart to the entire body. The condition typically affects the arteries that transport blood to the legs and arms.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTbIazck7rk

The pace in which peripheral arterial disease progresses tends to vary for each individual and based on various factors including the site where the plaque formed and overall health of the individual.

Risk factors

peripheral-arterial-disease
If the condition is not properly treated, an individual with peripheral arterial disease can end up with serious health issues.

An individual is at high risk for developing peripheral arterial disease if one or several of these risk factors are present:

  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Age – individuals aged 50 and older are at higher risk
  • High blood pressure
  • Race – African Americans face a higher risk than other groups
  • High cholesterol
  • History of heart or blood vessel disease

What are the conditions linked with peripheral arterial disease?

If the condition is not properly treated, an individual with peripheral arterial disease can end up with serious health issues including:

  • Heart attack – lasting damage to the heart muscle due to diminished supply of blood to the heart for a prolonged period
  • Transient ischemic attack – this involves brief disruption in the blood supply to the brain
  • Stroke – there is interruption or disruption in the flow of blood to the brain
  • Amputation – the removal of a part or the entire foot or leg might be performed among individuals with diabetes
  • Renal artery disease – this involves blockage or narrowing of the artery that supplies blood to the kidneys

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The information posted on this page is for educational purposes only.
If you need medical advice or help with a diagnosis contact a medical professional

  • All firstaidcprmississauga.ca content is reviewed by a medical professional and / sourced to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

  • We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable websites, academic research institutions and medical articles.

  • If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact us through our contact us page.