Maryland’s Health Matters - BWMC - Spring 2018 - 7

PAD 101
Blood vessels are responsible for
circulating blood and oxygen to
every corner of the body. Arteries,
a type of blood vessel, pump blood
away from the heart to the tissues.
When plaque builds up in the walls
of an artery, it leads to a more narrow or blocked passageway. When
blood can't flow freely through a
diseased artery, it can have painful,
severe medical consequences.
A heart attack or stroke can occur
if the blocked artery is one that supplies nutrients to the heart or brain.
If the blocked artery supplies the
extremities, tissue death can occur,
also known as gangrene.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
develops as a result of built up
plaque in arteries of the extremities,
including legs, stomach, arms and
head. PAD most often occurs in the
legs, which causes pain, cramping and tiredness when walking
or climbing stairs. Risk factors for
developing PAD include smoking,
diabetes, high blood pressure, high
cholesterol and increasing age.
Peripheral artery disease can be
a slow process, making it difficult
to detect at first. An individual
with PAD may have mild pain with
walking for several years. When
the pain becomes more frequent,
it can be difficult to carry on with
occupational activities or everyday
tasks. Patients may have to take
repeated breaks to get relief from
the pain, staying off their feet for
most of the day. When PAD reaches
a critical level, patients will have pain
even when resting their legs, and
a chronic wound can form.
Thankfully, with the help of
a vascular specialist, recovery and
relief from pain is possible.

umbwmc.org | Spring 2018  7



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