Introduction
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a serious condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is caused by a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet, leading to poor circulation and a lack of oxygen to the tissues. If left untreated, PAD can lead to serious complications, including amputation. Knowing the signs and symptoms of PAD, as well as the risk factors and treatments available, can help you take steps to prevent or manage the condition. Here are seven things you need to know about peripheral artery disease.
7 Things You Need to Know About Peripheral Artery Disease — Eat This Not That
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs. PAD is most common in the legs, but it can also affect the arms, stomach, and head. If left untreated, PAD can lead to serious complications, including amputation. Here are seven things you need to know about PAD.
1. Risk Factors
Risk factors for PAD include smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and a family history of the disease. People over the age of 50 are also at an increased risk.
2. Symptoms
The most common symptom of PAD is pain or cramping in the legs or arms when walking or climbing stairs. Other symptoms include numbness, tingling, coldness in the legs or feet, sores or wounds that won’t heal, and a change in skin color.
3. Diagnosis
Your doctor may diagnose PAD based on your medical history and a physical exam. Other tests, such as an ankle-brachial index (ABI) or an ultrasound, may also be used to diagnose PAD.
4. Treatment
Treatment for PAD depends on the severity of the disease. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and exercising regularly, can help improve blood flow. Medications, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs and blood thinners, may also be prescribed. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
5. Prevention
The best way to prevent PAD is to make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet. It’s also important to control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
6. Complications
If left untreated, PAD can lead to serious complications, including stroke, heart attack, and amputation. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you have any of the risk factors or symptoms of PAD.
7. Diet
Eating a healthy diet is an important part of managing PAD. Foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help reduce cholesterol levels and improve blood flow. It’s also important to limit foods that are high in saturated fat, such as red meat and full-fat dairy products.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Approximately 6.5 million people age 40 and older in the United States have peripheral artery disease PAD,” a condition that narrows arteries that carries blood to different areas of the body. If left untreated, PAD can cause stroke, changes in skin color and “total loss of circulation to the legs and feet can cause gangrene and the loss of a limb,” the American Heart Association states. Knowing the signs can be life-saving and Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with experts who share seven things to know about the disease. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Eric Stahl, MD Non-Invasive Cardiologist at Staten Island University Hospital tells us, “PAD often goes undiagnosed because symptoms can be vague. It is important to follow up regularly with a clinician for evaluation. Diagnosis typically starts with an ankle-brachial index (ABI), which compares blood pressure measurement in the lower legs to arms. If abnormal, more tests may be needed to further characterize the degree of narrowing.”
Dr. Ian Del Conde-Pozzi, cardiologist and vascular medicine specialist at Baptist Health’s Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute says, “Peripheral arterial disease is very common throughout the world, especially as people age and in those with a history of diabetes or who have smoked. Leading a healthy lifestyle, such as the American Heart Association simple 7, is a good way to help prevent PAD.”
Del Conde Pozzi explains, “PAD is caused by blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the legs. Those blockages are made up of cholesterol deposits, similar to those that cause heart attacks. Prevention of PAD is therefore the same for prevention of heart attacks.”
Dr. Todd Villines, world-renowned clinical cardiologist and Chief Medical Officer of Elucid says, “We know that the primary cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arteries. According to the Cardiovascular Coalition, “This occurs when arterial inflammation, cholesterol, calcium and scar tissue build up, forming plaque that clogs the arteries and slows blood flow to the legs. The more plaque that builds up on the inside walls of the blood vessels carrying blood from the heart to legs and arms, the more the arteries lose flexibility and narrow, putting patients at greater risk.”
Dr. Stahl says, “The prevalence of PAD increases with age. Other risk factors that contribute to PAD include cigarette smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Smokers are three times more likely to develop PAD compared to non-smokers. Those with diabetes have nearly twice the chance of developing PAD compared to those without diabetes.”
Dr. Stahl shares, “PAD most commonly affects the lower extremities. Patients with PAD typically experience fatigue, pain, cramping, or discomfort in their legs, particularly when walking or exercising.”
According to Del Conde Pozzi, “More advanced PAD usually manifests itself with leg symptoms. Most patients with significant PAD have leg symptoms when walking, such as leg tiredness or aching. Leg pain, as such, is less common. If you experience leg symptoms when walking, you should be checked for PAD.”
Del Conde Pozzi shares, “Significant PAD can often be ruled out with a careful, yet simple, physical exam. If you have strong pulses at the ankles, it is unlikely that you have significant PAD. It is important that you know this to make sure that your doctor checks your pulses.”
Del Conde Pozzi states, “The treatment for PAD has evolved significantly over the past 2 decades. In addition to medications that prevent the progression of PAD, patients can now be treated with minimally invasive catheter-based techniques that produce excellent results.”
Dr. Stahl adds, “Smoking cessation and effective diabetes management are most essential for the prevention and treatment of PAD. Additionally, a heart healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, and regular physical activity slow the progression of atherosclerosis and the development of PAD. Finally, if lifestyle modifications are insufficient, medications targeted at lowering cholesterol and blood pressure in combination with anti platelet agents are available.”
Heather Newgen