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Causes & Risk factors
Causes:
The condition as stated earlier is considered a symptom of peripheral artery disease, where the arteries that supply blood down to the legs are damaged as a result of atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis causes the hardening and narrowing of the arteries in the legs as a result of cholesterol and other fatty deposits in the intima of vessel wall. These deposits form atherosclerotic plaques which reduces lumen of the supplying artery. All these changes results in reduction of blood flow. Reduced circulation of blood through to the legs causes the pains during exercise.
Risk factors:
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Raised lipid levels especially cholesterol
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Heart disease like coronary artery disease (CAD)
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Hypertension or High Blood pressure
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Diabetes
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Patient on hemodialysis
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Family History of similar conditions
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Smoking
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Stroke
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