High Blood Pressure and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

High blood pressure defined

Your blood pressure is too high if it is 130/80 mmHg or higher.

How can high blood pressure lead to peripheral arterial disease?

Having high blood pressure makes it easier for plaque to form. Plaque is a waxy material made up of cholesterol and other things. It can build up in your artery walls. As plaque builds up, your arteries can become narrowed. This limits blood flow. If high blood pressure is not controlled, you are more likely to have PAD and heart problems. But high blood pressure can be controlled with exercise, weight loss, diet changes, and medicine.

What happens if blood pressure isn’t controlled?

You double your risk of dying from heart disease or stroke each time your blood pressure rises:

• 20 mmHg in the top number

• 10 mmHg in the bottom number

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure increases your risk for problems from diabetes.

What happens if blood pressure is controlled?

Lowering your blood pressure and keeping it low can reduce your risk for:

• Stroke

• Heart attack 

• Dying from heart disease 

• Problems from diabetes