About P.A.D.: Prevent Blood Clots in Your Arteries

What is the link between blood clots and P.A.D.?

People with P.A.D. are at high risk for a heart attack or stroke because of the buildup of plaque in their blood vessels or arteries. Eventually, the tip of the plaque breaks off and red blood cells called platelets clump together inside the blood vessel to form a clot on top of the plaque. This is the same kind of clot that forms on your skin to stop the bleeding when you cut yourself. But when a clot forms inside a blood vessel, it can limit or even block the flow of blood to your heart or brain, causing chest pain, a heart attack or stroke.

The good news is studies show that medicines that help prevent blood clots from forming can help reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke.