Chronic limb-threatening ischemia is a serious condition where blood flow to the arms or legs is blocked. It can happen when peripheral artery disease becomes severe.

## Symptoms

Symptoms of chronic limb-threatening ischemia include:

- Intense foot, leg, or arm pain
- Cold legs, feet, or hands
- Numbness in your feet, legs, or arms
- Thicker than usual toenails
- Shiny and smooth skin on your limbs
- Sores or skin ulcers that don't heal
- Skin color changes on your legs, feet, or hands

## Treatments

If not treated right away, chronic limb-threatening ischemia can lead to serious complications, including amputation and death. However, it can be treated with:

- Medications to prevent blood clots
- Medications to lower blood pressure and/or cholesterol
- Stents
- Atherectomy, which is a procedure to remove plaque buildup
- Surgery to replace an artery

If these treatments don't help bring back blood flow, you may need to have part of your hand, foot, or leg amputated.

## Risk Factors

Peripheral artery disease is the cause of this condition. However, there are other factors that raise your risk of developing chronic limb-threatening ischemia, including:

- Your age
- Smoking
- Chronic kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol



 

 ## Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

  department###  [Vascular Medicine Center](/departments/cardiovascular-center/vascular-medicine-center) 

 A center providing vascular care, including diagnosis and treatment for conditions such as peripheral artery disease, aneurysms, and blood vessel disorders, with coordinated servi… 

 

 

  department###  [Vascular and Endovascular Surgery](/departments/cardiovascular-center/vascular-medicine-center/vascular-and-endovascular-surgery) 

 A program within the Vascular Medicine Center providing vascular and endovascular surgery, including diagnosis and treatment for conditions such as aneurysms, peripheral artery di…