When talking to your doctor or other health-care professionals, reading up on P.A.D. (Peripheral Artery Disease), or searching the Web for information, you may come across words and terms you don't know.

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
A test that compares the blood pressures in the legs and arms to detect the presence of P.A.D.

Artery
A blood vessel that carries blood with oxygen from the heart to all parts of the body.

Cholesterol
A natural fat substance both produced by your body and absorbed from some animal products in food. It helps build various structures and substances in the body. But too high a level of a certain type of cholesterol in the blood is a major risk for coronary heart disease and a risk factor for stroke.

Claudication
Refers to a cramping leg pain that people with P.A.D. experience following exercise or walking that is relieved by rest. Usually the result of reduced blood supply to the leg muscles.

Clots
Platelets and other materials in the blood that stick together and can block or restrict blood flow.

Heart Attack
A serious event that occurs when one or more of the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart is partially or severely blocked. In most cases, the blockage is caused by clots.

Plaque
A buildup of cholesterol and other materials in the walls of the arteries. Plaque can rupture and cause platelets to stick together and form clots.

Platelets
Microscopic particles within the blood that may form clots to reduce bleeding when blood vessels are injured.

Peripheral Arteries
Arteries that are away from the center of the body, such as those in the legs.

Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow through an artery that supplies blood to the brain is severely reduced or blocked. As a result, the brain is temporarily or permanently damaged.

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.