Peripheral arterial disease

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Peripheral arterial disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), also known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD), is a circulatory condition in which narrowed blood vessels reduce blood flow to the limbs.

Pronunciation

Peripheral: /pəˈrɪfərəl/ Arterial: /ɑːˈtɪərɪəl/ Disease: /dɪˈziːz/

Etymology

The term "peripheral" comes from the Greek word "peripheria" which means circumference. "Arterial" is derived from the Latin word "arteria" meaning windpipe, artery. "Disease" comes from the Old French "desaise" meaning lack of ease.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of PAD is claudication, which is discomfort or pain in your legs that happens when you walk and goes away when you rest. You may not always feel pain; instead, you may feel a tightness, heaviness, cramping, or weakness in your leg.

Causes

PAD is often caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque on the inner walls of the arteries. Other causes can include blood clots or inflammation in the arteries, or injury to the limbs.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of PAD usually involves a physical examination, a review of the patient's medical history, and certain diagnostic tests. These tests may include an ankle-brachial index (ABI), ultrasound, angiography, or CT angiography.

Treatment

Treatment for PAD aims to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and prevent complications. This can include lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgery or angioplasty.

Related Terms

External links

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