The same disease responsible for causing heart attacks and strokes can affect the lower limbs. Pain when walking is usually the first sign. Unless measures are taken to stop the disease from progressing, damage may require the foot or leg to be amputated.
Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease. Fats, cholesterol and white blood cells that form plaques in arteries that feed the heart muscle and brain also may accumulate in arteries elsewhere in the body. The arteries of the legs and feet are commonly affected, and many people at risk for heart attack and stroke develop peripheral arterial […]
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