Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a kind of vascular illness that mostly affects the legs and feet. It occurs when the arteries constrict, decreasing or restricting blood circulation to certain areas. The leg arteries carry oxygen-rich blood that comes from the heart to the legs and arms. Arterioles are hollow tubes with such a smooth lining that prevents blood clots and allows for continuous blood flow. When you have peripheral artery disease, plaque builds up inside your arterial walls gradually. This narrows your arteries progressively. This lesion is also known as atherosclerosis. This blog will focus on the long term effects of peripheral artery disease.
Before that we will see a brief on the symptoms and causes or risk factors of Peripheral Artery Disease.
Symptoms:
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when blood vessels outside of the heart constrict, producing leg pain when walking or exercising. Other conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, are commonly linked with PAD, and may also contribute to its development.
- Leg pain that makes walking difficult
- Numbness in the legs
- Skin color variations
- Leg or foot pulse that is weak or nonexistent
- Cramping
- Leg skin that is gleaming
- Sexual dysfunction
- Foot or toe abrasions
- Leg hair thinning
- When compared to the opposite leg, extreme coldness
Risk Factors:
- Tobacco smoking or excessive tobacco usage
- Diabetes Obesity in the Abdomen
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) (High Blood Pressure)
- Elevated cholesterol levels (hyperlipidemia)
- Kidney problems
- Being above the age of 50
- Having a family history of blood vessel or cardiovascular illness
Effects of Peripheral Artery Disease:
Peripheral Artery Disease effects on body in many different ways and happens to be among the most prevalent illnesses, affecting one out of every twelve people. The effects of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) extend far beyond walking difficulties. Peripheral artery disease increases the likelihood of having non healing leg or foot discomfort. These lesions can grow into regions of dead tissue in severe cases of PAD, necessitating the amputation of your foot or leg.
Despite PAD and coronary artery disease being different, these two share a commonality. Those who have one are much more likely to have the other. A person with PAD seems to be more at risk for coronary artery disease, which may result in a heart attack, a stroke, or a transient ischemic event compared to those who don’t have PAD. One in every three people with heart disease has peripheral artery disease in their legs.
Oddly, some risk factors exist for both disorders. This is because these risk factors cause the same changes in the arteries of the arms and legs that result in the arteries of the heart. And remember that the severity of Peripheral Vascular Disease is determined by the treatment. If it occurs in its early stages, lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, care of concomitant illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, drugs such as statins to lower cholesterol levels, and antiplatelet therapies to assist reduce blood clots are recommended. Frequent exercise will also assist to slow the disease’s progression.
PAD is also classed into stages. Here are a few
- Cramping and soreness in the lower limbs.
- They have Critical Limb Ischemia, which implies they endure discomfort at rest for two weeks or longer, as well as non-healing sores, ulcers, or gangrene.
- End-stage PAD occurs when various therapies are unsuccessful and limb amputation is required.
Preventative measures for living with PAD:
1.Take Measures to Take Care of Your Legs and Feet
Wear comfortable shoes and inspect for sores, cracks, and other abnormal signs on a regular basis. You should also clean and dry your feet on a daily basis and apply moisturizer. This can keep your skin from breaking.
2.Maintain a Healthy Diet
Consume a cardio diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and other nutrient-dense foods.
3.Say No To Smoking
Smoking also hinders your arteries from adequately moving blood, which quitting can help to mitigate.
4.You Can Start With Mild Workouts
Stretch prior to and following when going for a walk. Even so, if you experience any pain, listen to your body and relax. If yoga or swimming are hobbies you love, then you can even try them. Also, exercise can help decrease your cholesterol and blood pressure, which are the major causes of PAD.
5.Keep Yourself Warm
The cold can cause your skin to become dry, which could also lead to flaking skin. If you must go out in the cold, make sure to layer up and wear thick, warm and dry socks.
6.Avoid Pseudoephedrine-containing over-the-counter cold medications
Pseudoephedrine can cause blood vessels to constrict, exacerbating the symptoms of PAD. Check the label or see your pharmacist to guarantee your safety.
If you are suffering from PAD, try following these artery disease prevention steps by consulting your doctor and for the optimal outcomes, visit our specialist from The Flow Vascular Clinic, Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala. He is the most experienced on treating peripheral artery disease in Hyderabad. Plaque formation in the artery lumen is the most prevalent cause of peripheral vascular disease. Peripheral vascular disease is more frequent in older people, although it can strike anybody at any age. For more info, about PAD, dial us now or just click here to schedule a quick appointment.