PAD: Be Careful of Changes in Your Limbs

Editorial 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)

What kind of disease is PAD?

What are the causes of PAD?

What are the symptoms of PAD?

What tests are carried out to diagnose PAD?

How can PAD be prevented and treated?

The symptoms to look out for with PAD

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) FAQ

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) Q&A

2017 DEC PU1712069

Health information

Illness information

Health & Illness TOP