FlowCardia

The coronary arteries deliver blood from the aorta to the heart muscle. They include the right coronary artery (RCA), the left coronary artery and their branches.

The peripheral arteries carry blood outside of the heart and include the arteries that go to the legs, arms, feet, kidneys, stomach, and brain.

Atherosclerosis is a disease affecting blood vessels called arteries. Fatty material called plaque builds up within the inner lining of arteries. This reduces the amount of blood and oxygen that is delivered to vital organs. Atherosclerosis can occur anywhere in your body, but it is especially dangerous when it affects the arteries leading to your brain, heart, kidneys and legs.

Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to your heart become narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits called plaque. The narrowed arteries decrease the amount of blood and oxygen reaching your heart. If your heart does not receive enough oxygen, you may have chest pain (angina) or a heart attack.

Angina is a pain or discomfort in your chest caused by plaque (deposits of fats, cholesterol and other substances) that narrows the coronary arteries and reduces the amount of oxygen-rich blood that reaches the heart muscle.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) develops when the peripheral arteries become narrowed or clogged with plaque (deposits of fat, cholesterol, and other substances). The narrowing of arteries reduces the amount of blood flowing through your peripheral arteries.

PAD affects about 8 million Americans. Most people with PAD have no symptoms; only about 1/3 of people with PAD actually feel there is something wrong with their feet or legs. Common signs of PAD include claudication (pain in your legs, thighs, or buttocks that occurs when you walk or exercise, but is relieved with rest), foot or toe pain at rest that often disturbs your sleep, skin wounds or ulcers on your feet that are slow to heal.

Claudication is pain in your legs, thighs, or buttocks that occurs when you walk or exercise, but is relieved by resting.