What is PAD? Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition that occurs when there is excessive plaque build-up on the arterial walls, causing the arteries to narrow. This fatty plaque buildup is also known as atherosclerosis. Plaque is an unhealthy combination of fat, cholesterol, cellular waste, calcium, and proteins that cause blood clotting. When plaque accumulates in the arteries, it becomes hard and stiff, leading to atherosclerosis and PAD. Could PAD be linked to