Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is also known as Peripheral Vascular disease (PVD). PAD occurs when plaques, fatty acids deposits build up in arteries and results in reduction of flow of blood. Arteries are normally smooth and are responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrient rich blood from heart to other organs of body. Due to deposition of these plaques arteries becomes hardened and narrowed and results in reduced blood flow, blockage of arteries. It usually affects legs, and also head, arms, stomach and kidneys. So, it is a condition seen when legs do not receive enough blood and oxygen.

PAD is seen both in male and female but more in male of age around >50 years. It is more common in United States. Around 10 million people in U. S. are having peripheral vascular disease. It is more common people who smoke.