Changes in artery stucture associated with circulatory disease.

Peripheral artery disease affects the arteies that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This condition causes the arteries to narrow which restricts blood flow to the limbs and muscles.

Peripheral artery disease usually affects the legs causing pain that can come on while walking.

Peripheral artery disease is caused by fatty deposits building up on the inside walls of the arteries. This is known as atherosclerosis. The fatty deposits cause arteries to narrow which restricts blood flow to tissues. This can cause pain in muscles, especially when exercising, as the muscles cant get enough blood and therefore not enough nutrients to function properly.

Atherosclerosis increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Other diseases that can cause change in arterial structure are called aneurysms. An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in a blood vessel and occur most commonly in the aorta. Atherosclerosis can lead to an aneurysm and an aneurysm is more likely to be the site of fatty deposits. Most of the time aneurysms are small but sometimes, if they get big enough, they can burst which would requie immediate medical attention.

References:

http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/peripheral_arterial_disease.html

www.medicinenet.com/vascular_disease/article.htm