What is 外周动脉疾病?

外周动脉疾病 is similar to 冠状动脉疾病.

外周动脉疾病, 或垫, is a narrowing of the peripheral arteries that carry blood away from the heart to other parts of the body. The most common type is lower-extremity PAD, in which blood flow is reduced to the 腿 and feet. Upper-extremity PAD (武器, hands and fingers) is less common but affects about 10% of the population.

PAD和 冠状动脉疾病 都是由动脉粥样硬化引起的, the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries that narrows and blocks them throughout the body, 包括在心里, 大脑, 武器, 腿, 骨盆, 肾脏及其他器官. 

关于PAD的简单知识

The most common symptoms of lower-extremity PAD are cramping, 乏力, 疼痛, pain or discomfort in the leg or hip muscles while walking or climbing stairs. This pain usually goes away with rest and returns when you walk again. 

请注意:

• Many people mistake the symptoms of PAD for something else.
• PAD often goes undiagnosed by health care professionals.
• People with PAD have a higher risk of 冠状动脉疾病, heart attack and stroke.
• Left untreated, PAD can lead to gangrene and amputation.

View our interactive PAD library.

PAD的风险增加

Certain factors increase your chances for peripheral artery disease, including:

• 老年.
• 高血压 or 高胆固醇
• 吸烟
• 2型 糖尿病
• Not getting enough physical activity
• 压力
• 高饱和脂肪的饮食
• 肥胖
• 慢性肾病     

好消息是

If you’re at risk or have been diagnosed with PAD:

• PAD确诊 用一种简单无痛的方式.
• You can take control: Follow your health care professional's recommendations and strive to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle.
• Some cases of PAD can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication.

动脉粥样硬化和PAD

如果你有 动脉粥样硬化, that means that plaque has built up inside your artery walls. Plaque is made up of deposits of fats, cholesterol and other substances. Atherosclerosis in the peripheral arteries is the most common cause of PAD.

To see how plaque limits blood flow, view our interactive PAD library.

First, plaque builds up enough to narrow an artery, which reduces blood flow. Next, if that plaque becomes brittle or inflamed, it may rupture. This causes a blood clot to form. A clot can further narrow the artery or completely block it.

If the blockage remains in the peripheral arteries of the 腿, 它会引起疼痛, 皮肤颜色的变化, difficulty walking and sores or ulcers. Total loss of blood flow to the 腿 and feet can cause gangrene and the loss of a limb.

If the blockage occurs in a carotid artery, it can cause a stroke.

Watch an 动脉粥样硬化 and PAD animation

It’s important to learn the facts about PAD. The more you understand, the more you can help your health care team make an early diagnosis. PAD has common symptoms, but many people with PAD never have any symptoms.

Talk to your health care team and take control of your cardiovascular health.