narrowed arteries (leg)

[Bettylue]

When the arteries in the leg are narrowed what can be done for it? And how much narrowing before it's done?

[Lee Kirksey, MD]

Peripheral arterial disease can occur in different areas of the body. When is occurs in the legs, the symptoms can range from claudication which is cramping, throbbing, tightness of the calf or thighs with exertion. The symptoms abate with rest. In a more severe state, pain in the feet occurs at rest. This is referred to as limb threatening ischemia because if untreated, 80% of individuals with rest pain will go on to require some form of amputation.

For claudication, treatment is indicated based upon the severity of symptoms. Generally, claudications symptoms are treated when symptoms become life style limiting and impair ones ability to carry out normal activities.

Treatment modalities vary from angioplasty, stent placement to surgical bypass.

[Heidi229]

A related discussion, PAD and choleterol was started.