By Annette R. Karnash, R.N., M.N.
In PAD, arteries supplying blood to the legs become clogged or partially blocked. The supply of blood is unable to keep up with the demands so when walking, the deficiency manifest itself with pain in the calf muscle. This is known as intermittent claudication, caused by PAD. Individuals with type 2 diabetes increase the risk of developing PAD. It affects 1 in 20 over the age of 50 and may go unrecognized.
The cause is normally due to hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis) or narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) due to accumulation of cholesterol containing fatty deposits (plaque) on the inner walls of the vessel. However, it can be caused by blood clots, limb trauma or radiation exposure. The increase of developing PAD may be due to obesity, smoking, hypertension, lack of exercise, and aging. If blockage causes this condition, a graft from a vessel in another part of the body can be used to bypass blood flow. A tube made of a synthetic fabric may also be used to surgically by pass the blockage.
