PAD means peripheral artery disease – a condition where the central arteries narrow, starting from a minor narrowing to complete blockage. It happens due to the plaques forming on the vessel walls. A disease does not develop in one day or over a week; it takes a while for it to occur.

According to research data, 202 million people worldwide and 40 million people in Europe suffer from PAD. 1 Fowkes FG, Rudan D, Rudan I, et al. Comparison of global estimates of prevalence and risk factors for peripheral artery disease in 2000 and 2010: a systematic review and analysis. Lancet, 2013; 382: 1329–1340. This disease mostly starts after the age of 50, and gradually progresses after 65, reaching 20% probability around 80 years of age, more often in men in high income countries and even higher potential in low- and average-income countries, more commonly in women. 2 Fowkes FG, Rudan D, Rudan I, et al. Comparison of global estimates of prevalence and risk factors for peripheral artery disease in 2000 and 2010: a systematic review and analysis. Lancet, 2013; 382: 1329–1340.

Heredity and lifestyle are major factors in PAD development. There are several key risk factors for this disease – smoking, high blood pressure, increased cholesterol level, being overweight and eating unhealthy (high fat) diet. These factors contribute to atherosclerosis formation and clogging of the arteries. But, as mentioned before, heredity plays its role too – one may lead a very healthy lifestyle and develop PAD, while another one having high fat treats and smoking could just get by.

The most common symptom of PAD is pain in legs and muscles or cramps (especially after tension). Legs may feel heavy, numb, weak or tired. Pain usually subsides after resting You can also experience zero symptoms, or they can be minor ones before the arteries have narrowed down to half.

As the condition worsens, you may feel a burning feeling or pain in legs also when sitting still. You can feel a sense of coolness in your feet, the skin may look transparent or change colour. Hair can stop growing on your legs. Non-resolving ulcers may appear on your feet or toes. Men suffering from PAD may develop an erectile dysfunction.

The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis – accumulation of fats in the arteries. Fat deposits can turn into a plaque that narrows down your arteries. It impedes the downward blood flow. Vasculitis, limb traumas or radiation exposure are more seldom causes of PAD.

Untreated PAD may become severe. Inflammation in a foot may develop into gangrene and lead to amputation of the foot or even entire leg. If you suffer from PAD, the plaque may be accumulating also in other arteries. It increases the risk of a heart attack, stroke, transient ischemic stroke (microstroke) or kidney function disorders.

Some treatment methods are efficient in preventing the deterioration of PAD condition. A doctor might prescribe medicines for lowering cholesterol levels, blood pressure, or blood glucose levels. In order to prevent clot formation and improve the blood circulation, medications that reduce platelet clogging capacity may be prescribed. Products for lowering cholesterol, triglyceride and homocysteine level reduction are widely recommended.

Healthy lifestyle habits will help preventing PAD or improving the condition of blood vessels. Do not smoke, monitor your weight, exercise regularly and eat healthy, eat low-fat diet, many fruits and vegetables. In order to prevent the ulcers, you should take a special care of your feet and to make sure they are always clean and dry. You should also avoid over-the-counter medicines for common colds containing pseudoephedrine as it constricts your narrow arteries even more.