PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects millions of people everyday, and is likely to be a sign of a buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries.
In peripheral arterial disease the blood flows from your heart down to your legs and feet with the help of the pump of the heart. If the artery is clean and healthy, you have normal blood flow. Sometimes the condition of the body can cause the artery to become clogged, resulting in the inability of blood to flow from the heart to the feet and legs. This condition is called peripheral arterial disease.
Causes of Peripheral Arterial Disease
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High Cholesterol
- High Blood Pressure
- Atherosclerosis
The problem with cigarette smoking is that nicotine is a vascular constrictor, which causes the artery to become narrower. Additionally, smoking causes hardening of the artery, resulting in blood not flowing very well to your feet and legs.
Diabetes is another major cause of peripheral arterial disease because high glucose levels in your blood creates damage in the vessel wall with build up of plaque. Peripheral arterial disease happens when this buildup on the walls of blood vessels causes them to narrow. It commonly affects people with type 2 diabetes, who are also prone to high cholesterol and heart disease.
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American Foot and Leg Specialists draws patients from all over the Atlanta area. Our 4 locations in Stockbridge, Forest Park, Fayetteville, and Locust Grove, are just short drive from Midtown, Buckhead, East Point, College Park, Riverdale, Jonesboro, Irondale, McDonough, and Peachtree City. Schedule a consultation today to eliminate your foot and ankle problems.
