Lower extremity PAD is atherosclerosis that occurs in the blood vessels of the legs. The primary arteries that supply blood to the legs are the:

• Iliac arteries located inside the lower abdomen 
• Femoral arteries, located in the thigh 
• Tibial arteries, located below the knee

Oxygen–rich blood flows down these arteries to supply the muscles of the buttocks, legs and feet. 

Peripheral arterial disease of the renal arteries (often referred to as renal artery stenosis) is usually atherosclerosis that occurs in the blood vessels leading to the kidneys. The primary function of the kidneys is to filter the blood and remove waste products and excess fluids. For that reason the kidneys receive almost one-third of the blood flow of the body. They play a major role in regulating blood pressure. If the narrowing in the renal artery is significant, the kidney incorrectly senses that the blood pressure is too low and sends signals to the body to increase the blood pressure resulting in high blood pressure (hypertension). This is generally referred to as renovascular hypertension and can accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis throughout the body, increasing the strain on the heart.

Renal artery stenosis can also result in poor renal function (renal insufficiency), which impairs the waste and fluid removal functions of the kidney. Renal insufficiency can eventually lead to the need for dialysis as a replacement for kidney function.