causes of arterial disease
The most common cause of peripheral arterial disease (P.A.D.) is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up in your arteries. The exact cause of atherosclerosis isn't known. The disease may start if certain factors damage the inner layers of the arteries.These factors include: 1  Smoking.2  High amounts of certain fats and cholesterol in the blood. 3  High blood pressure.therosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up in your arteries. The exact cause of atherosclerosis isn't known. The disease may start if certain factors damage the inner layers of the arteries. These factors include: 1  Smoking. 2  High amounts of certain fats and cholesterol in the blood.