Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is hardening of the arteries which supply blood to the arms, legs, intestines, kidneys, etc. Sometimes the vessels are so affected that blockages (obstruction to blood flow) occur and cause symptoms such as pain, cramping, ulceration, infection, and even death. Frequently, legs severely affected by PAD, if neglected, end up being amputated. Even today, with the advent of new tests to detect PAD and new peripheral artery disease treatments that can salvage limbs affected by PAD, many amputations are still being done. A simple test, the Ankle/Brachial Index (ABI), measures the blood pressure in the arm versus blood pressure in the legs. If one has low ABI’s and symptoms, further testing such as CT Angiography (similar to CTA for the heart) or angiography should be done.
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