Final answer:
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the narrowing of arteries in the legs and other areas of the body due to atherosclerosis. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol. Treatment involves lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the narrowing of the arteries other than those that supply the heart or brain due to atherosclerosis. It typically affects the legs but can also involve other arteries. The main risk factor for PAD is smoking, and other risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol. Treatment for PAD includes lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, smoking cessation, exercise, and adopting a low-sodium, low-saturated fat diet. Medications to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure may also be prescribed. In more severe cases, surgical options such as angioplasty, stent placement, endarterectomy, or coronary bypass procedures may be necessary to improve blood flow.