Arteries bring blood rich with nutrient and oxygen to various body parts. If limbs arteries (especially leg arteries) are blocked, limbs cannot get enough nutrient or oxygen. This condition is called peripheral arterial disease (PAD). TPeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common artery disease of the elderly. The most common symptom is intermittent claudication, which means that after walking a while, your legs have soreness, weakness or pain. The discomfort can be relieved by rest. When the disease progresses to a certain extent, there will be severe limb ischemia. If the condition is severe, you may have leg ulcer. If leg blood circulation is not improved, these ulcers will become dry and black. These tissues will die finally. This condition is known as gangrene. Alprostadil is often used in treating severe intermittent claudication. Smoking cessation, exercise and a healthy diet also help.
How is Peripheral artery disease (PAD) treated in practice?