|
|
Arteriosclerosis of the Extremities
Alternate Names : Arteriosclerosis Obliterans, PAD, Peripheral Arterial Disease, Peripheral Vascular Disease, PVD
DefinitionArteriosclerosis of the extremities is a disease of the blood vessels characterized by narrowing and hardening of the arteries that supply the legs and feet. This causes a decrease in blood flow that can injure nerves and other tissues.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Arteriosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries," commonly shows its effects first in the legs and feet. The narrowing of the arteries may progress to total closure (occlusion) of the vessel. The vessel walls become less elastic and cannot dilate to allow greater blood flow when needed (such as during exercise). Calcium deposits in the walls of the arteries contribute to the narrowing and stiffness. The effects of these deposits may be seen on ordinary X-rays.
This is a common disorder, usually affecting men over 50 years old. People are at higher risk if they have a personal or family history of coronary artery disease (heart disease) or cerebrovascular disease (stroke), diabetes, smoking, hypertension, or kidney disease involving hemodialysis.
Today's Top News Stories | • | Falls Are Top Cause of Injury, Death Among Elderly - Jul 19, 2008, 09:00
Not all homes are the same, but common sense measures can reduce the risk, expert says. | • | Heart Blood Vessels Grown in the Lab - Jul 18, 2008, 19:00
Could offer a future alternative to bypass surgery, researchers say. | • | Clinical Trials Update: July 18, 2008 - Jul 18, 2008, 09:24
- Breast Cancer
- Hot Flashes
- Emphysema
| • | Loud Music in Bars Hastens Drinking - Jul 18, 2008, 16:00
French researchers say blasting tunes makes patrons down more alcohol in less time. | • | Breast-Fed Babies Have Fewer GI Infections - Jul 18, 2008, 17:00
But they're more likely to be iron-deficient, study finds. |
|
Jump to another section
• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Arterial Embolism
• Atherosclerosis
• Blood Clots
• Diabetes
• Gas Gangrene
• Hypertension
• Kidney Disease
• Stroke
Tests & Exams
• Arteriogram
• Blood Pressure
• Dialysis
• Doppler Ultrasound Exam of An Extremity
• MRI
Surgery & Procedures
• Angioplasty
• Heart Bypass Surgery
• Stent
Other Topics
• Blockage of Leg Arteries
• Cholesterol
• Erection Problems
• Fever
• Hair Loss
• Joint Pain
• Leg Pain
• Malaise
• Muscle Aches
• Numbness and Tingling
• Obesity
• Paleness
• Peripheral
• Skin Discoloration - Bluish
• Ulcers
• Walking/Gait Abnormalities
Review Date : 5/25/2002
Reviewed By : Seth Keller, M.D., Division of Cardiology, Yale New Haven Medical Center, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
|
