Physiology in medicine: Peripheral arterial disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic condition that can provoke symptoms of leg pain ("intermittent claudication") during exercise. Because PAD is often observed with comorbid conditions such hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, cigarette smoking, and/or physical inactivity, the pathophysiology of PAD is certainly complex and involves multiple organ systems. Patients with PAD are at high risk for myocardial infarction, stroke, and all-cause mortality. For this reason, a better physiological understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment options for PAD patients is necessary and forms the basis of this Physiology in Medicine review.