Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a common condition where the arteries that carry blood to your limbs—usually your legs—become narrow. This narrowing reduces blood flow, which means your legs may not get enough oxygen and nutrients, especially when you’re moving around or exercising.
One of the most noticeable signs of PAD is claudication, which is pain or cramping in your legs or arms that starts when you move and stops when you rest. Most people feel this pain in their calves, but it can also affect the thighs or buttocks. The pain can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, it might make it hard to walk or stay active.
PAD can also cause other symptoms. Some people may feel numbness or weakness in their legs, or notice that one leg feels colder than the other.
You might see wounds or sores on your feet or legs that don’t heal, or a change in the color or skin condition of your legs—like pale skin or slower hair growth. In serious cases, PAD can lead to gangrene, which is when tissue dies due to lack of blood. If not treated quickly, this can lead to the need for amputation.
Certain people have a higher chance of getting PAD. Age, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a family history of blood vessel problems all increase the risk. Most cases of PAD are caused by atherosclerosis, which is when fatty deposits build up in your arteries, making them narrow and stiff.
To find out if someone has PAD, doctors often do a physical exam and a simple test called the ankle-brachial index (ABI). This test compares the blood pressure in your ankle to the blood pressure in your arm.
If there’s a big difference, it might mean your blood isn’t flowing well to your legs. Other tests, like ultrasounds or imaging scans, can show where and how badly the arteries are narrowed.
PAD can be managed—and even improved—with the right care. Lifestyle changes are a big part of treatment. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do. Regular exercise, especially walking, can help improve symptoms and increase how far you can walk without pain. A healthy diet, low in unhealthy fats, also helps reduce risk.
Doctors might also prescribe medications to help manage the condition. These may include drugs to lower cholesterol, control blood pressure, prevent blood clots, or ease leg pain. One type of medicine called statins can lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes, and they might even help with leg symptoms.
In more serious cases, medical procedures may be needed to get blood flowing again. One option is angioplasty, where a small balloon is used to open the blocked artery, and a stent may be placed to keep it open. If angioplasty isn’t possible or doesn’t work, doctors might recommend bypass surgery, which creates a new path for blood to flow around the blockage.
People with PAD can also benefit from supervised exercise programs, often offered through cardiac rehab centers. These programs create safe, personalized exercise plans to slowly build up strength and walking distance.
In summary, PAD is a serious but manageable condition. Knowing the symptoms—especially leg pain during movement—is key. With lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, medical procedures, people with PAD can improve their symptoms, protect their heart, and live healthier lives.
Early diagnosis and proper care can make a big difference. If you or someone you know has signs of PAD, don’t ignore them—talk to a doctor and take steps toward better circulation and better health.
If you care about heart health, please read studies that vitamin K helps cut heart disease risk by a third, and a year of exercise reversed worrisome heart failure.
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