What is peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD)?
Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD) is a vascular disease that causes constrictions or blockages in the arteries of the extremities, particularly in the legs. These constrictions impair blood flow and can lead to various health problems. This widespread vascular disease mainly affects older people, but can occur at any age.
What are the causes of peripheral arterial occlusive disease?
The main cause of PAD is arteriosclerosis, a disease in which fat, cholesterol and other substances accumulate in the artery walls and form plaques. These plaques narrow the arteries and obstruct normal blood flow. Over time, these deposits can even lead to a complete blockage.
The causes of arteriosclerosis are:
- Smoking:
Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for developing PAD. The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke damage the artery walls and promote the formation of plaques.
- Diabetes:
People with diabetes have an increased risk of vascular disease because high blood sugar levels can damage arteries.
- High blood pressure:
High blood pressure increases the pressure on the arteries and can lead to their damage.
- High cholesterol levels:
High blood cholesterol levels favour the formation of plaques in the arteries.
- Genetic factors:
The predisposition to arteriosclerosis
What are the causes of peripheral arterial occlusive disease?
The main cause of PAD is arteriosclerosis, a disease in which fat, cholesterol and other substances accumulate in the artery walls and form plaques. These plaques narrow the arteries and obstruct normal blood flow. Over time, these deposits can even lead to a complete blockage.
The causes of arteriosclerosis are:
- Smoking:
Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for developing PAD. The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke damage the artery walls and promote the formation of plaques.
- Diabetes:
People with diabetes have an increased risk of vascular disease because high blood sugar levels can damage arteries.
- High blood pressure:
High blood pressure increases the pressure on the arteries and can lead to their damage.
- High cholesterol levels:
High blood cholesterol levels favour the formation of plaques in the arteries.
- Genetic factors:
The predisposition to arteriosclerosis