Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a common health problem where the arteries become narrowed and blood can’t flow easily to the arms or legs. It usually affects the legs the most. When someone has PAD, their muscles don’t get enough blood, especially during exercise. This can cause pain and lead to serious problems if not treated.
The most common sign of PAD is a type of pain called claudication. This means pain, cramping, or tiredness in the legs or arms that starts when you move and goes away when you rest. The pain usually happens in the calf muscles but can also affect the thighs or buttocks. In some people, the pain can be so bad that it makes walking or other activities difficult.
Other signs of PAD include weakness or numbness in the legs, feeling cold in one leg or foot compared to the other, sores on the toes, feet, or legs that don’t heal, and changes in the color of the skin on the legs.
You might also notice less hair or slower hair growth on the legs and feet. In very serious cases, PAD can cause gangrene, where tissue dies because of poor blood flow. If this happens, it could lead to the need for amputation.
PAD is more common as people get older. It is also more likely in people who smoke or have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of blood vessel problems. These issues can cause a condition called atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up in the arteries and make them narrower.
To find out if someone has PAD, doctors usually start with a physical exam and a simple test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). This test compares the blood pressure in the ankle to the blood pressure in the arm. Other tests, like ultrasound, angiography, or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), might also be used to see how blood is flowing through the arteries.
Treating PAD focuses on easing symptoms and stopping the disease from getting worse. Lifestyle changes are very important. These include quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Walking, in particular, is one of the best exercises for people with PAD because it helps improve blood flow and reduce pain.
Doctors might also prescribe medicines to help. These could include drugs that prevent blood clots, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, or help manage pain. For example, statins are medicines that lower cholesterol and may also help with leg pain from claudication.
If PAD is very serious, procedures might be needed to open up the blocked arteries. One common procedure is angioplasty, where a doctor uses a small balloon to open the artery and sometimes places a small tube called a stent to keep it open. In some cases, doctors may need to perform bypass surgery, where blood is redirected around the blockage.
Supervised exercise programs can also help people with PAD. These programs are safe ways to slowly increase how much a person can walk without pain.
In short, PAD is a serious but manageable condition. Knowing the signs and getting the right treatment can help people stay active, lower their risk of heart problems, and live healthier lives. Making healthy lifestyle choices and following medical advice can make a big difference for anyone living with PAD.
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