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"Poor circulation", also referred to as Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), affects millions of Americans. PAD is a disorder that occurs in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs, also referred to as your circulatory system. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrient-rich blood from the heart to all areas of the body. In PAD, the arteries gradually become narrowed or blocked when plaque forms in the walls of the arteries, causing a reduction in blood flow to the organs and other parts of the body. Plaque is made of excessive fat, cholesterol and other substances floating through the bloodstream.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can have a dramatic impact on an individual's quality of life, depending on the location and severity of the disease. The rate at which PAD progresses varies with each individual depending on many factors, such as which arteries the plaque has affected and a person's overall health. In most instances PAD can be detected and treated before it becomes severe, if individuals are aware of potential symptoms and signs and report them to their physician. If Peripheral arterial disease goes undetected or untreated it can result in significant disability including loss of limb, paralysis from stroke and even death.
Periperal Arterial Disease
Symptoms of PAD
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Dull cramping pain in hips, thighs, or calf muscles while walking
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Pain in the buttock while walking
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Numbness or tingling in leg, feet, or toes
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Leg sores that do not heal
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Leg ulcerations or open wounds
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Uncontrollable high blood pressure or hypertension
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High blood pressure that requires three or more medications for treatment
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Symptoms of stroke, ie, temporary blindness, or weakness in your arms or legs
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Family history of aneurysms
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