Several factors increase the risk of developing PAD, including:
Tobacco use
Diabetes
Heart disease
High cholesterol
Age over 50
High blood pressure
Several factors increase the risk of developing PAD, including:
Medications
Physical rehabilitation
Supervised walking therapy
Lifestyle modifications, such as improved diet and exercise
Minimally invasive procedures to clear blockages when necessary
Treatment
PAD can lead to sores on the feet and legs. If left untreated, these sores may not heal properly, increasing the risk of infection and potentially leading to amputation or critical limb ischemia (CLI) in severe cases. Additionally, PAD is linked to a higher risk of heart disease. Reduced blood flow to the heart can result in angina and increase the likelihood of heart attacks.