Lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans (LEAD) is caused by atherosclerosis affecting the arteries of the legs.
Early diagnosis and timely treatment are important to prevent disease progression, including tissue damage and possible amputation.
Evaluation is performed using ABI and vascular ultrasound, often on the same day as the initial visit.
What it is
Atherosclerosis can affect not only the heart and brain, but also the arteries supplying the legs.
When blood flow to the lower extremities is reduced due to arterial narrowing or obstruction, the condition is referred to as
lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans (LEAD).
The presence of LEAD may indicate atherosclerosis in other vascular territories, including the coronary and cerebral arteries.
Typical symptoms
A characteristic symptom is intermittent claudication:
discomfort or pain in the calf during walking that improves with rest, allowing walking to resume.
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Common early sign:
Calf pain or heaviness during walking that improves with short rest -
Why it may be overlooked:
Symptoms are sometimes attributed to muscle fatigue or aging
Early detection is important, as treatment is more effective before the disease progresses.
Why it can be serious
In advanced cases, LEAD may progress to critical limb ischemia.
This can result in tissue damage, non-healing wounds, infection, and in severe cases, amputation.
LEAD is more common in patients with diabetes and those receiving dialysis.
Our evaluation
Blood flow is assessed using ABI (ankle–brachial index) and vascular ultrasound,
allowing non-invasive evaluation of arterial narrowing and perfusion.
Evaluation is performed promptly, often on the same day as the initial visit.
Appointment
Appointments are required in principle. A referral letter from another medical institution is recommended but not mandatory.
For appointment requests and language support, please see the
Cardiology page.