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What is peripheral artery disease? -

Peripheral artery disease, also called peripheral arterial disease or PAD, is a condition in which the blood flow to the arms or legs is reduced due to the narrowing of the arteries.

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Symptoms -

One of the main symptoms is leg pain when walking. This is known as claudication.

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Claudication -

Claudication symptoms can include muscle pain or cramping in the legs or arms. This usually happens when moving, and subsides with rest.

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Claudication -

The pain is caused by the lack of oxygen, and it can range from mild to severe.

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Claudication -

It most commonly affects the calves, but other areas, including the thighs, buttocks, hips, and feet, can also be affected.

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Symptoms -

Other PAD symptoms include the sensation of coldness in the lower leg and/or foot, usually on one side.

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Symptoms -

Numbness, weakness, and a weak pulse felt on the legs or feet are also symptoms.

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Symptoms -

Skin color and appearance changes on the legs (e.g. shiny skin), as well as hair loss (or slower hair growth) on the legs.

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Symptoms -

Peripheral artery disease symptoms can also include aching and cramping of the arms when doing simple manual activities (e.g. writing), as well as cramping of the legs and hip muscles following exercise.

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Symptoms -

Erectile dysfunction may also be a symptom in men with diabetes.

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Diagnosis -

A number of tests are run to diagnose peripheral artery disease. These include blood tests, as some conditions are related to PAD, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high triglycerides.

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Ankle-brachial index (ABI) -

Another test commonly used to diagnose the disease is the ABI. This consists of taking and comparing the blood pressure of the arms and legs. Readings are taken immediately before and after exercise (usually done walking on a treadmill).

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Ultrasound -

An ultrasound of legs and feet is also used to check the blood flow and consequently, diagnose PAD. Doppler ultrasound is often used. This type of ultrasound is commonly used to detect any blocked or narrowed arteries.

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Angiography -

Doctors may prescribe medical imaging techniques such as computerized tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to look for any blockages in the arteries.

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Treatment -

Treatment for peripheral artery disease usually requires a holistic approach to both manage the symptoms and to improve artery health. These usually involve lifestyle changes and medication. In some cases, surgery may also be required.

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Lifestyle changes -

Some lifestyle changes can have a real impact on patients with PAD. Quitting smoking (if that’s the case) is really important. Smoking damages the arteries and can both increase the risk of developing the condition and worsen it for those who already have it.

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Lifestyle changes -

Regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet can also go a long way when preventing and treating peripheral artery disease.

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Foot care -

This is also something that can have an impact on PAD. This is particularly true because decreased blood flow can hinder healing and make patients more vulnerable to infections.

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Look out for some cold and sinus medications -

Some of these drugs contain pseudoephedrine, which actually tightens blood vessels and can make symptoms worse.

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Cholesterol medication -

Drugs called statins are usually prescribed to people with PAD. They help reduce plaque buildup in the arteries, and lower bad cholesterol, consequently decreasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

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Blood pressure medication -

These drugs can be beneficial for those who suffer from high blood pressure. High blood pressure can make the arteries stiffer. These drugs can help regulate the flow.

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Drugs to control blood sugar -

Some people who suffer from PAD also have diabetes, so it’s important to tackle this condition, too.

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Anticoagulant -

Drugs to prevent blood clots may also be prescribed. These medications can help improve blood flow to the limbs.

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Medication for leg pain -

A doctor may prescribe a drug such as cilostazol, which is used to widen the blood vessels and thin the blood.

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Angioplasty and stent placement -

When lifestyle changes and medication aren't enough, surgery becomes a possibility. This procedure consists of using a balloon with a net pushed through a catheter to stretch a narrowed/blocked artery.

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Thrombolytic therapy -

This is when a clot-dissolving drug is administered. This is sometimes done through an IV line or via a catheter at the site of the blood clot.

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Bypass surgery -

During this surgical procedure, another blood vessel (either from another part of the body or an artificial one) is used to redirect the blood, creating a path around the blocked area.

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Bypass surgery -

This type of surgery is commonly done on the coronary artery and the stomach, but it can be done in other parts of the body as well.

Sources: (Mayo Clinic) (NHS) (Medical News Today)

See also: Easy ways to improve poor circulation

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