Patient Education
What puts you at risk for Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.)?
High Cholesterol
When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, the walls of your blood vessels can become narrowed or clogged with fatty deposits called plaque. Over time, the plaque builds up and causes hardening of the arteries (or atherosclerosis). The arteries become narrowed and blood flow is slowed down or blocked. P.A.D. occurs when the arteries in the legs are hardened and clogged. Blood flow to the legs and feet is reduced, which can cause pain when you walk. Likewise, if enough oxygen- rich blood cannot reach your heart, you may suffer chest pain. If the blood supply to a portion of the heart is cut off, the result is a heart attack.
