Peripheral arteries deliver oxygen-rich blood to the legs and feet. Over time, artery walls may thicken as they build up with plaque (a fatlike substance). As plaque builds up in an artery, blood flow can be reduced or even blocked, causing peripheral artery disease.
Many heart attacks and strokes are caused by blood clots that block the flow of blood to the heart or brain. In these cases, rapid intervention from a medical professional with a clot-dissolving drug can reduce the damage caused by the blood clot.