Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when the arteries that carry blood to the legs and arms become narrowed or blocked, restricting blood flow to the limbs.
Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease
- Leg pain or cramping with activity (intermittent claudication)
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Sores or wounds that heal slowly
- Discoloration or temperature changes in the legs or feet
Causes of Peripheral Artery Disease
PAD is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can be exacerbated by risk factors like smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Prevention is Key!
Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels can help prevent or manage PAD.
Risks of the disease
Untreated PAD can lead to serious complications, including critical limb ischemia (severe blockage that can cause tissue death), amputation, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Your vascular surgeon may perform a physical exam, check your pulse, and order tests like an ankle-brachial index (ABI) or imaging studies to diagnose PAD.
Treatment options range from lifestyle modifications and medications to minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery, depending on the severity of the disease.
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Questions You might have?
While not immediately life-threatening, PAD increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious complications if left untreated.
PAD typically worsens over time without proper treatment and lifestyle changes.
There is a genetic component that can increase the risk of developing PAD.
Regular exercise can improve circulation and help manage symptoms of PAD.
No, other symptoms include numbness, weakness, non-healing sores, and temperature/color changes in the legs and feet.
Treatment depends on severity but may include lifestyle changes, medications, angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery.
PAD can recur, especially if risk factors like smoking and diabetes are not well-controlled.
PAD is more common in older adults and affects men and women equally.
Maintaining a healthy weight can improve circulation and help manage PAD symptoms.
Quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and managing diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol can help prevent PAD from progressing.
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