Main Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With PAD | Resource Guide
The most common form of peripheral artery disease is caused by atherosclerosis. The arteries most commonly affected are those that carry blood to your legs and pelvis. Lack of blood to these areas causes the symptoms associated with PAD.
Calf or thigh pain with exercise is termed claudication. Claudication is an early sign of PAD. The discomfort may consist of cramping, limping, or a feeling of heaviness, weakness, or fatigue in the legs. Symptoms of claudication usually begin after walking a certain distance—such as a block or two—and end after resting for the same length each time.
Often, symptoms affect one leg. If arteriosclerosis exists in both limbs, the severity is often different from one side to the other.
Other symptoms of PAD include the following:
References:
American Heart Association website. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org/ . Accessed August 14, 2008.
Braunwald E, Fauci AS, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine . 16th ed. McGraw-Hill Professional; 2004.
Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 2nd ed. W.B. Saunders; 2003.
Last reviewed July 2008 by Michael J. Fucci, DO
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.