Arterial Claudication
Arterial claudication is a condition that occurs when there is a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the legs. This narrowing can be caused by plaque build-up, which is made up of cholesterol, fat, and other substances in the blood. Plaque can harden and narrow the arteries, which decreases blood flow to the legs.
When you have arterial claudication, walking or exercising can be painful because not enough oxygen-rich blood reaches your muscles. The pain occurs when the demand for oxygen by the muscles exceeds the supply. This can happen when the arteries that bring blood to the muscles are narrowed by plaque build-up. Arterial claudication most often affects the legs but can also affect the arms. The pain of arterial claudication usually goes away after a few minutes of rest and comes back when you walk or exercise. However, if you have severe arterial claudication, the pain may be constant, even at rest.
Treatment for arterial claudication includes lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and exercising regularly, as well as medication. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to open up the arteries. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
