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Arteriosclerosis of the extremities

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Definition:

Arteriosclerosis 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.

Alternative Names:

Peripheral vascular disease; PVD; Peripheral arterial disease; PAD; Arteriosclerosis obliterans

Causes, incidence, and 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 (high blood pressure), or kidney disease involving hemodialysis .

• Review Date: 5/30/2006
• Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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