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PAD, or peripheral arterial disease, is a shrinking of the arteries that transport blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The most frequent kind is lower-extremity PAD, which causes decreased blood flow to the legs and feet. Upper-extremity PAD (arms, hands, and fingers) is less frequent, affecting approximately 10% of the population. The most typical symptoms of lower-extremity PAD include cramping, weariness, aching, and pain or discomfort in the leg or hip muscles while walking or ascending stairs. This soreness normally subsides with rest and reappears when you move again. Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have diminished lower extremity arterial perfusion, sometimes known as "poor circulation." In most cases of PAD, plaques caused by atherosclerosis narrow the arterial flow lumen, reducing blood flow to the distal extremities. Reduced blood flow can induce thigh or calf pain during walking owing to transient ischemia of the leg muscles during exercise. Walking pain from PAD is known as intermittent claudication, which means "to limp." A lot of people with PAD possess either no symptoms or unusual complaints.
PAD is brought on by atherosclerosis, a condition known as "hardening of the arteries" in which plaque or fatty deposits accumulate in the arteries. Vein walls stiffen and narrow with time due to a variety of reasons. The following are some risk factors that lead to PAD:
Diabetes- Increases the risk due to high triglycerides or cholesterol levels
Vascular disorders in the family, such as PAD, aneurysms, heart attacks, or strokes
An individual's past medical history of hypertension, heart disease, or other vascular conditions
Consuming tobacco
Elevated homocysteine levels in your bloodstream
Approximately 30% of overweight males over the age of 50 live a sedentary lifestyle, increasing their risk for PAD
Symptoms of PAD include:
Claudication, or cramping or fatigue in the leg muscles during exercise or walking, that subsides at rest.
A pain in your feet or legs that keeps you awake at night.
Sensation loss or numbness in the affected limb sores that don't heal or heal slowly variations in the hue and/or warmth of the limbs.
Reduced development of nails and hair on the affected limb
Discomfort in the feet while at rest.
In certain individuals, the vascular system may create collateral vessels—alternative pathways that bypass the affected vasculature—to compensate for the decreased blood flow. However, in some cases, there may not be enough collateral vessels, which can lead to non-healing foot ulcers and discomfort in the feet even when at rest.
Peripheral artery disease patients are far more likely to die from cardiovascular disease and experience serious health issues, such as heart attacks, strokes, and the development of non-healing lesions in their legs or feet that could require amputation if they are not treated.
If Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is suspected, your doctor will perform a non-invasive test to confirm the diagnosis. The most commonly used test is the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI), which measures the difference in systolic blood pressure between your arms and ankles. Based on the results of this test, your doctor may also recommend an ultrasound to assess the extent of artery blockage. If further evaluation is needed, imaging tests such as Angiography, Duplex Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), and Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) can be used to precisely locate the blockage.
There are numerous strategies to lower your chance of PAD development.
Give up smoking
Reduce your blood pressure
Have a diet that is low in cholesterol and fat
Exercise frequently in accordance with your doctor's advice
If you have diabetes, abide by your doctor's dietary and medication instructions.
You should also take any prescription drugs, such as aspirin or beta-blockers, or medication to manage symptoms.
Peripheral vascular disease (end-stage) increases the likelihood of major sequelae, such as myasthenia or myocardial infarction. Surgery is frequently required for treatment, and in extreme situations, amputation may be required. Severely decreased blood flow to non-heart and non-brain regions of the body is end-stage PVD.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) often causes leg pain and discomfort, especially during physical activity like walking or exercising, which improves with rest. In more severe cases, you may also experience pain in your legs or feet at rest, particularly at night. Additionally, poor blood flow can lead to slow-healing sores or ulcers on your feet or legs. In advanced stages, PAD can result in intense, persistent pain and serious complications such as non-healing wounds or even tissue death (gangrene). If you notice these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention promptly for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Frequent aerobic exercises that enhance heart health and blood flow, such as swimming, cycling, running, or walking, will help maintain the health of your arteries. These activities increase heart rate and improve blood flow throughout the body, both of which are critical for avoiding artery blockages. Before beginning any new fitness regimen, especially if you have health concerns, always make sure it is safe for you by consulting your doctor.
Yes, PAD can often be treated non-surgically through lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle changes may include regular exercise, quitting smoking, and managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Medications such as blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and medications to improve blood flow may also be prescribed. In some cases, minimally invasive procedures like Angioplasty or Stenting may be used to open blocked arteries.
PAD primarily affects the arteries supplying blood to the legs and feet. However, it can also affect arteries in other parts of the body, including the arms, abdomen (mesenteric arteries), and in some cases, the arteries supplying blood to the brain (carotid arteries).
Many people mistake PAD symptoms for other conditions. Medical experts frequently fail to diagnose PAD. People with PAD are more likely to develop coronary artery disease, a heart attack, or a stroke. Untreated, PAD can result in gangrene and amputation.
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