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Overview

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) also is called atherosclerosis obliterans (pronounced ath"er-o-skleh-RO'sis -ä-blit- -ranz) or peripheral vascular disease. This condition causes reduced blood flow, usually in the legs and feet.

In peripheral artery disease, deposits (called plaque) build up in the walls of blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body (i.e., arteries). Arterial plaque is made up of fats, cholesterol, and other substances. When...Read the full article