WHAT WENT WRONG?
Large
peripheral arteries become narrowed and restricted (stenosis) leading to
the temporary
(acute) or permanent (chronic) reduction of blood flow to tissues
(ischemia).
This is most commonly due to atherosclerosis (plaque on the inner
walls of
arteries), but may also be caused by a blood clot (embolism), or from an
inflammatory
process. Severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease can lead to skin
ulceration and
gangrene. Peripheral arterial occlusive disease is more common in
patients with
diabetes or hypertension, in older adults, in those with hyperlipidemia,
and in those
who smoke, as these conditions can predispose to diminished
circulation.
Vascular disease that happens in one area of the body, e.g. coronary
arteries, is
not an isolated process. The plaque build-up caused by long-term elevated
cholesterol
levels will happen throughout the body. The most common area
of involvement
is the lower extremities.
