Peripheral artery disease or PAD is a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries, the condition is called atherosclerosis. Over time, this plaque can harden and narrow the arteries in turn this limits the amount of blood flow and oxygen to other parts of your body.
The plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood.
It is often times seen in conjunction with other chronic conditions but also seen in absence of any known common conditions. PAD usually affects the arteries in the legs, but it also can affect the arteries that carry blood from your heart to your head, arms.
It is important to make this diagnosis early as intervention can not only prevent pain and numbness but may actually prevent worse issues like infections or even the need for amputations of limbs due to lack of sufficient blood flow and oxygen.
Although PAD is serious, it is treatable. San Antonio Kidney Access Center is available to do a simple noninvasive test to see if you have PAD. Early treatment is ideal to slow or stop disease progress and reduce the risk of complications. Treatments include lifestyle changes, medicines, and surgery or procedures.
