Final answer:
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is caused by narrowed arteries due to atherosclerosis, often in the legs, causing symptoms like leg pain during walking. Diagnosis is made through ankle-brachial blood pressure measurements, and treatments range from lifestyle changes and medication to surgical options.
Step-by-step explanation:
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a medical condition resulting from the narrowing of the peripheral arteries, notably in the legs, due to atherosclerosis. The hallmark symptom is intermittent claudication, which manifests as leg pain during walking that typically resolves with rest. Additional symptoms may include skin ulcers, a bluish skin tone, and cold skin in the affected limbs.
Diagnostic tools for PAD involve comparing blood pressure measurements in the ankle and upper arm, with lower readings at the ankle suggesting the condition. Smoking is the main risk factor, while others include diabetes, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol. Treatment options include lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise, medication, angioplasty with a balloon catheter, stent insertion, or coronary bypass surgery in more advanced cases.