peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Also called peripheral vascular disease (PVD).
Arterial disease that occurs outside of the heart or brain in which arteries in the extremities (legs and arms) become narrowed or blocked, usually as a result of atherosclerosis or plaque. The most common form of PAD affects the large vessels supplying the legs, which can cause severe pain on walking and may in time make a patient immobile. See the Peripheral Artery Disease page for more information.