Final answer:
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is the narrowing of arteries due to atherosclerosis, commonly affecting the legs and causing leg pain when walking. Symptoms include leg ulcers, bluish or cold skin, and poor nail and hair growth. Risk factors for PAD include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol.
Step-by-step explanation:
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is the narrowing of the arteries other than those that supply the heart or brain due to atherosclerosis. It most commonly affects the legs, causing leg pain when walking, known as intermittent claudication. Other symptoms may include skin ulcers, bluish or cold skin, and poor nail and hair growth in the affected leg(s). PAD is diagnosed when blood pressure readings at the ankle are lower than those at the upper arm. Risk factors for PAD include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol.