Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) happens when there is a narrowing of the blood vessels outside of your heart. A substance made up of fat and cholesterol, called plaque, builds up on the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the arms and legs. The plaque causes the arteries to narrow or become blocked. This can reduce or stop blood flow, usually to the legs, causing them to hurt or feel numb. If severe enough, blocked blood flow can cause tissue death. If this condition is left untreated, the foot or leg may need to be amputated. 

A person with PVD also has an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and transient ischemic attack. You can often stop or reverse the buildup of plaque in the arteries with dietary changes, exercise, and efforts to lower high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. 

What causes PAD? 

PAD is most often caused by atherosclerosis, the process that most people call  "hardening of the arteries."  Atherosclerosis causes a build-up of plaque in the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to all tissues of the body. As these plaques worsen they reduce essential blood flow to the limbs, and plaque can even block major arteries completely! These plaques are the same as those that produce blockages in the arteries to the heart, causing heart attacks. While everyone knows how important it is to treat and prevent heart disease, most people are not aware of the seriousness of PAD. 

How do I find out if I have PAD? 

PAD can be easily diagnosed, and with effective treatment the risks of more severe complications can be significantly reduced or eliminated. A thorough physical exam by  your doctor can often detect PAD, but be sure to tell your doctor that you have had problems walking or any other leg symptoms. Some circulatory changes are very subtle and require a more detailed exam. A Doppler is a specialized stethoscope that many physicians use to check circulation. Just like when they use a regular stethoscope to measure the blood pressure in your arm, the Doppler lets them measure blood pressure in your legs and feet. When there are blockages in the circulation to your legs, the blood pressure will be lower. In fact, it's this reduced blood flow to your muscles that causes the cramps or tightness when you walk, not your age!