Arteries are blood vessels that take blood from the heart to the rest of the body. These blood vessels can become blocked by a blood clot or a build-up of cholesterol on the walls of the arteries. When this happens, the result is arterial occlusive disease, also known as peripheral vascular disease.

The effects of arterial occlusive disease depend on which vessels are blocked. This disease is usually caused by high blood cholesterol levels and most often affects vessels in the heart, brain, abdomen and legs. If blood vessels in the legs are blocked, pain may occur whenever walking or exercising the legs. If arteries in the abdomen are affected, leg pain, abdominal pain, or kidney problems may occur.

Besides cholesterol, there are other causes of this disease, such as:

• an infection

• a blood clot, where small clots become lodged in the arteries

• swelling of the arteries

• smoking cigarettes, which narrows, or constricts, the arteries making these problems worse and

• diabetes

The treatment of arterial occlusive disease depends on the cause and the area affected. Persons who smoke should stop. Diabetes needs to be kept under control. If the disease is caused by cholesterol, patients should reduce the fats in their diet. Medicines may be prescribed for other causes.

Sometimes surgery is used to treat blocked arteries. During surgery, another blood vessel or a piece of tubing is used to bypass the blockage. After the surgery, it is very important for patients to try to change any unhealthy behaviors that led to blocked arteries.

For more information, contact your local chapter of the American Heart Association or call (800) 242-8721.

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