Heart & Vascular Program
Heart Health
Diseases & Conditions: Occlusive Disease
In occlusive disease of the arterial system, blood flow to the legs can be obstructed due to cholesterol and plaque formation. As the blood supply slows, a lack of oxygen causes tissue damage. Without treatment, ulcers and gangrene may develop.
Occlusive disease can have the following symptoms:
- There may be foot and calf pain when you are walking. The pain is relieved with rest but returns after walking the same distance.
- The pain can become constant and so severe it awakens the sufferer. Some relief is obtained by hanging the affected leg over the edge of the bed.
- The feet may become cool and pale when raised.
- One or both feet may become red or blue when they are hanging.
- You may get a sore on one or both of your legs that does not heal.
- There may be sudden loss of movement or feeling in one or both of legs.
Because your legs are not getting enough oxygen rich blood, you
may require a procedure to re-establish the blood flow. There are
a variety of ways of doing this including non-surgical and surgical
interventions.
