Atherosclerosis and PAD
Discover the Link Between PAD and Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis occur when plaque builds up inside your artery walls. The plaque is a combination of fat deposits, cholesterol and other substances collecting in the arteries. This occurring within the peripheral arteries is the most common cause of PAD, hence the term “Peripheral Artery Disease.”
If you’re wondering how this happens, here’s the breakdown of events:
- Plaque builds up inside the artery enough to narrow the passageway and choke off blood flow.
- The plaque becomes brittle or inflamed (potentially rupturing) triggering a blood clot to form, which works to further narrow the artery and possibly block it altogether.
If the blockage is not removed and remains in the peripheral arteries of the legs, it may begin to cause pain, cause changes in skin color, bring about difficulty walking, and/or cause sores or ulcers to develop. Further, a total loss of circulation to the legs and feet can cause gangrene and lead to the loss of a limb.
At Vascular Health Institute, we urge everyone to be completely informed about any medical concern you may be experiencing, up to and including peripheral artery disease. Please connect with our vascular specialists by scheduling a time to sit down with us at https://vascularhealthinstitute.com/appointments/.
