What Causes Peripheral Arterial Disease?
The most common cause of peripheral arterial disease (P.A.D.) is atherosclerosis. The exact cause of atherosclerosis isn't known.
The disease may start when certain factors damage the inner layers of the arteries. These factors include:
When damage occurs, your body starts a healing process. The healing may cause plaque to build up where the arteries are damaged.
Over time, the plaque may crack. Blood cell fragments called platelets stick to the injured lining of the artery and may clump together to form blood clots.
The buildup of plaque or blood clots can severely narrow or block the arteries and limit the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your body.
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