Final answer:
Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the limbs, usually the legs, due to blockages or narrowing of the arteries. It is a severe form of peripheral artery disease (PAD) caused by atherosclerosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the limbs, usually the legs, due to blockages or narrowing of the arteries. It is a severe form of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and is caused by atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This reduced blood flow can lead to symptoms such as leg pain, skin ulcers, cold skin, and poor nail and hair growth in the affected limbs.