Peripheral artery disease is blockage of blood flow to the legs or arms due to narrowing of the blood vessels originating from the heart (artery). As a result, legs that lack blood supply will feel painful, especially when walking.
Peripheral arterial disease sometimes causes no symptoms and develops slowly. If left untreated, this disease can worsen and cause tissue death (gangrene) so that there is a risk of amputation.
Causes of Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease is caused by a buildup of fat in the walls of blood vessels that supply blood to the legs. These fat deposits make the arteries narrow, so that blood flow to the legs is blocked. This process is known as atherosclerosis.
Although rare, peripheral artery disease can also be caused by the following conditions:
- Injuries to the limbs
- Inflammation in the arteries
- Abnormalities in the shape of muscles or ligaments
- Radiation exposure
Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease
In most cases, people with peripheral artery disease do not experience any symptoms or only experience mild symptoms. Others feel cramps, hot soles, or muscle pain in the legs that worsens with activity and subsides after resting. This condition is called claudication.
The location of claudication pain depends on the part of the blocked artery, but generally occurs in the calf. The severity of the pain can also be mild to severe and makes it difficult for sufferers to walk and carry out activities.
This article was written by Dr. med. Dr. Yanto S Tjang, SpBTKV, Subsp. VE(K), PhD (Specialist in Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular Surgery at Grha Kedoya Hospital)