Often described as poor circulation in the legs, Peripheral Artery
Disease, or P.A.D., is a serious condition that more than doubles your risk of heart
attack or stroke.

P.A.D. is when the arteries in your legs begin to narrow from plaque and the flow of
oxygen-rich blood is restricted. (Plaque is a buildup of cholesterol and other
materials in the walls of your arteries.) If this is happening in your legs, it is likely
happening in the arteries in your heart or brain. If the plaque ruptures, microscopic
particles in the blood, called platelets, can stick together, causing clots to form on
the damaged area. When these clots block the flow of blood to your heart or your
brain, the result can be a heart attack or stroke.

Poor circulation in the arteries of your legs is serious enough. But it may also be a
warning sign of a similar problem in the arteries leading to your heart or your brain.
In fact, about 60% of P.A.D. patients have blockages in their arteries near their
heart or brain as well as in their legs.

Find out how P.A.D. develops.

The health information contained herein is provided for general educational
purposes only. Your health-care professional is the single best source of
information regarding your health. Please consult your health-care professional if
you have any questions about your health or treatment.

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