Peripheral Arterial
Occlusion (PAO)
 What is
PAO?
When
the
large
arteries
of the
feet and
legs
narrow
and
harden,
blood
flow is
restricted.
The
result
is poor
circulation.
The
tissues
then
become
starved
of the
nutrients
andNew
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oxygen
they
need.
Symptoms
of PAO
Skin
ulcers
or
lesions
appear
on the
feet and
legs.
Pain in
the legs
and feet
when the
person
is at
rest and
not
moving.
Faint or
absent
pulse in
the leg
or foot
below
the
blockage.
Why
Treat
PAO?
If a
blood
clot
(called
a
thrombus)
blocks
the
artery,
there
can be
serious
consequences
if not
treated
promptly.
It is
important
to
remove
the clot
and
restore
blood
flow.
Failure
to treat
could
lead to
ulcers,
inability
to walk
without
pain,
and
ultimately,
loss of
the
affected
limb.
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