It is a common disorder of the circulatory system and affects approximately 10 million people in the U.S. alone . Peripheral arterial disease is usually caused by atherosclerosis , a buildup of fatty deposits on artery walls that causes restricted blood flow , commonly known as "hardening of the arteries."

Atherosclerosis affects the heart and arteries can also affect the whole body . People with peripheral vascular disease have no symptoms in the early stages of the disease.

The most common initial symptom is intermittent pain in the legs at rest stops , including claudication ( pain on walking ) , tightness , heaviness , cramps and / or weakness. With the most advanced stages of peripheral arterial disease, the symptoms we found are : critical limb ischaemia (pain in the feet or toes , even when at rest ) and / or sores on the feet or fingers feet that if left untreated can become muereto tissue become known as gangrene. Peripheral vascular disease often goes undiagnosed.

It is important to tell your doctor if any of the symptoms of peripheral vascular disease occurs because this condition can lead to increased risk of heart attack and stroke , in addition , there is treatment.

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