Leg Artery Disease
When the arteries of the legs become blocked through a process called atherosclerosis, the legs do not receive enough blood or oxygen and a condition called peripheral vascular disease develops.
Peripheral vascular disease can cause discomfort or pain on walking. The pain can occur in the hips, buttocks, thighs, knees/calves or upper feet, and goes away when one rests. In severe peripheral artery disease painful sores may develop on the toes or feet. If the circulation in the leg does not improve, these ulcers become dead tissue, called gangrene.
Smoking or having diabetes increases the risk of developing the condition. People older than 50 years have an increased risk of developing the disease, and men have a greater risk than women.
Ankle brachial index (ABI), duplex ultrasound, conventional angiography and CT angiography are used to establish the diagnosis.
Treatment of peripheral vascular disease include:
- Lifestyle Changes
- Medications
- Walking
- Angioplasty and Stenting
- Bypass Surgery and Endarterectomy
- Amputation