PAD: Be Careful of Changes in Your LimbsEditorial supervision: Hiroshi Shigematsu, Professor, Clinical Research Center for Medicine International University of Health and Welfare Executive Director of Vascular Surgery Sanno Medical Center
What is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?
Peripheral arterial disease is the narrowing or obstruction of arteries in the limbs due to arteriosclerosis, causing reduced blood flow. In Japan it is called arteriosclerosis obliterans or chronic arterial occlusive disease, but outside of Japan it is typically referred to as PAD.
Symptoms of PAD
PAD causes numbness and pain in the limbs, and if it worsens may cause ulcers, and in severe cases necrosis.
Causes of PAD
PAD is caused by arteriosclerosis.
Risk factors associated with arteriosclerosis include lifestyle related diseases, obesity, lack of exercise, and stress.
Lowering the risk of PAD
PAD patients often have high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, and are often older with a history of smoking. Therefore, to prevent PAD it is important to guard against or treat high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, and to try to quit smoking. It is also advisable to develop a regular exercise routine such as walking, in order to improve circulation in the feet/legs.
Learn more about peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
Featured Topic
What is PAD known as in Japan?
In Japan, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is known as arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO), and for health insurance purposes may also be referred to as chronic arterial occlusive disease. Outside of Japan it is typically referred to as peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) FAQ
2017 DEC PU1712069
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