Condition A to Z: P

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common condition where the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet become narrowed due to a build-up of fattyCommentHighlight deposits, known as atherosclerosis. It reduces blood flow, which can lead to symptoms like pain when walking (claudication) and in severe cases, critical limb ischaemia. PAD is an important marker for systemic atherosclerosis and indicates a higher risk of heart attack and stroke Causes Atherosclerosis (primary cause) Diabetes mellitus Smoking High blood pressure (hypertension) High cholesterol (hyperlipidaemia) Obesity Inflammatory conditions such as vasculitis Blood vessel injury or trauma Radiation exposure damaging blood vessels Pathophysiology PAD develops mainly due to atherosclerosis. In this process,

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) refers to a circulation disorder that affects blood vessels outside the heart and brain, most commonly arteries supplying the legs. It occurs when arteries become narrowed or blocked, usually due to atherosclerosis, leading to reduced blood flow. PVD can significantly impair quality of life and is associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Causes Atherosclerosis (most common cause) Diabetes mellitus Smoking Hypertension High cholesterol levels Inflammatory conditions (e.g., vasculitis) Blood clots (thrombosis) Arterial trauma or injury Radiation exposure affecting blood vessels Pathophysiology PVD primarily results from atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits (plaques) build up inside arterial walls. This causes narrowing and hardening of the arteries,