Peripheral Artery Disease & Critical Limb Ischemia

Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a form of vascular disease. It occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to the head, organs and limbs. Over time, this buildup hardens and narrows the arteries, limiting the flow of oxygen-rich blood. PAD most often affects the legs.

PAD Risk Factors & Symptoms

PAD is a common, yet serious disease. Certain health conditions and lifestyle factors can put you at risk, including: 

• Coronary artery disease, a type of heart disease 
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure 
• High cholesterol 
• Older age 
• Tobacco use 

Symptoms can vary in severity. The most obvious sign—leg pain with exertion (claudication)—occurs in only 10–35 percent of patients. That can make early diagnosis difficult.  

• Other symptoms may include: 
• Leg fatigue, heaviness or cramping 
• Leg or foot pain that disrupts sleep 
• One leg or foot that feels colder than the other 
• Sores or wounds on the toes, feet or legs that heal slowly or not at all 
• Thick or yellow toenails that aren’t growing 
• Toes or feet that are pale, discolored or blue  

Critical Limb Ischemia

When PAD progresses to an advanced stage, the lower limbs become at risk for critical limb ischemia (CLI). CLI is a severe form of PAD that can lead to ulcers and tissue loss.

Without timely treatment, approximately 25 percent of patients with CLI will need amputation within one year. After initial amputation, patients face a high risk of further limb loss. More than 130,000 CLI amputations occur annually in the U.S.

Comprehensive Critical Limb Ischemia Program

Many people struggle to live independently after an amputation due to depression and chronic pain. We work to avoid that outcome. Our comprehensive CLI program focuses on preventing amputation and improving quality of life. We teach patients and healthcare providers how to recognize the early signs of PAD and CLI.

You have access to a wide range of available treatment options, including revascularization. This procedure restores blood flow by opening arteries with balloons or stents. Many patients never receive this early intervention, which highlights the importance of addressing this critical care gap.