Definition: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) generally refers to atherosclerosis affecting arteries other than the those of the heart and brain. (Atherosclerosis of the heart arteries is called coronary artery disease, or CAD. Atherosclerosis of the brain arteries is called cerebrovascular disease.)
PAD most commonly affects the arteries of the legs, arms, kidneys and digestive organs. Severe PAD can cause claudication (cramp-like pain of the legs or arms during muscle use), kidney failure and hypertension, and abdominal pain after eating (so-called "abdominal angina").
Patients with PAD also have a very high incidence of CAD and cerebrovascular disease. PAD is caused by the same risk factors that produce atherosclerosis in the heart and brain.
More: Controlling your risk for peripheral artery disease and other forms of atherosclerosis
