Clogged Leg Arteries & Severe Edema

Clogged leg arteries result in restricted blood flow. Severe edema occurs when the body retains too much fluid. While the two conditions usually are not related, each indicates a larger, more serious problem.

Edema

The Mayo Clinic defines edema as "swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in your body's tissues." It's most common in the feet, ankles, legs, arms and hands and typically the result of medication, pregnancy or a bodily disease, such as kidney, thyroid or heart disease.

Edema Signs

Additional severe edema symptoms include stretched or shiny skin, abdominal swelling, and skin that retains a "dimple" for several seconds after being pressed.

Clogged Artery

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when fatty deposits (plaque) clog arteries in the leg and restrict normal blood flow. Just as with a blocked coronary artery, this drastically increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

PAD Symptoms

The most common sign of PAD is pain in the calf, leg or hip, normally after walking. Other symptoms include toes with sores, numbness in the leg, cold feet, loss of hair on feet, and changes in toenails or the color of legs.

Combination

Clogged leg arteries and severe edema are not typically related. In other words, one is not usually a sign of the other. However, each of the disorders is indicative of heart disease, so a combination of the two should be quickly investigated.

References

• Edema: Symptoms; The Mayo Clinic
• PAD Symptoms & Diagnosis; American Heart Association
• Edema; MedLine Plus

Resources

• Peripheral Arterial Disease Coalition