Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an arterial disease that affects the legs and feet. It happens as the arteries constrict, reducing or blocking blood flow to certain parts. Your leg arteries transport oxygen-rich blood flowing from your heart to your legs and arms. Arterioles are hollow tubes with a smooth lining that inhibits blood clotting and facilitates constant blood flow. Plaque builds progressively inside your arterial walls when you develop peripheral artery disease. This gradually narrows your arteries. This plaque is also referred to as atherosclerosis.
Peripheral Artery Disease is one of the most common conditions, affecting 8 individuals in every 12. The most common sign of PAD is claudication, which is discomfort in your leg that begins with walking or exercise and goes away with rest. The discomfort is caused by a lack of oxygen in your leg muscles.
The hazards of PAD extend far and beyond walking problems. Peripheral artery disease raises your chances of developing a nonhealing leg or foot pain. In extreme cases of PAD, these lesions can evolve into patches of dead tissue, necessitating the removal of your foot or limb.
Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) develops when blood channels outside of the heart narrow, causing discomfort in the legs when walking or exercising. PAD is frequently associated with other illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which might also contribute to its progression.
- Leg discomfort that makes it difficult to walk
- Leg numbness
- Changes in the skin color
- Weak or absent pulse in the legs or feet
- Cramping
- Shiny skin on the legs
- Erectile dysfunction
- Sores on the feet or toes
- Hair loss on the legs
- Extreme coldness, when compared with the other leg
Risk Factors of Peripheral Artery Disease
- Smoking or excess use of tobacco
- Diabetes
- Abdominal Obesity
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
- Kidney issues
- Being 50 and older
- Having a history of blood vessel or heart disease
Although PAD is distinct from coronary artery disease, the two are linked. People who possess one are more likely to possess the other. An individual with PAD is more likely to develop coronary artery disease, a heart attack, a stroke, or a transient ischemic event compared to someone who does not have peripheral arterial disease. A person with heart disease is one in three likely to have peripheral artery disease in their legs.
Unsurprisingly, the two illnesses have certain risk factors. This is due to the fact that these risk factors create the identical alterations in the arteries of your arms and legs as they do in the arteries of your heart.
Preventive Measures for Artery Disease
With peripheral artery disease, or PAD, you can still lead a full and healthier lifestyle. The problem develops when plaque accumulates in your arteries. This makes it more difficult for your arms, legs, head, and organs to receive adequate blood flow.
1.Walk and Rest
You may be limiting your activities due to your pain. However, if you have PAD, you must exercise. It is beneficial to almost everyone who has this problem. But how can you work out if it hurts? There are techniques to exercise while minimizing discomfort. First and foremost, pay attention to your body and understand when to pause. Take a pause if your legs hurt when walking. Wait for the discomfort to subside before starting over. You will strengthen your body by resting and then restarting. Begin gently but do not give up. Stretch both before and after you go for a stroll. Choose a route that keeps you near to home so you may return quickly if necessary. You may have to take it gently at first, however the more you walk, the further you will be able to travel. And the more you move, the healthier for you it is.
2.Choose the Appropriate Exercises
Talk to your doctor to determine the most appropriate activities for you. They may recommend workout routines that have been known to alleviate PAD symptoms. Try to acquire 30 minutes of movement following your appointment multiple times a week. Choose workouts that you love so that you will persist with them. Tired of walking? Perhaps you can find a swimming pool or ride your bike. Maybe a fitness class or yoga is more your pace. You might wish to enlist the help of a friend or two to workout with you. That usually makes it more enjoyable, allowing you to keep each other on track. If you can manage it, a personal trainer can help you stay on track with your goals. Working exercise does much more than only alleviate PAD signs. It also aids in the reduction of blood hypertension and “bad” cholesterol levels. It’s also healthy for your heart and pretty much every other area of your body.
3.Stay Warm
Avoid being outside in the cold as often as feasible. In the midst of winter, check if you can locate a location to work out indoors. If you must be outside in the cold, dress in layering and wear thick, dry socks. Don’t let the weather keep you from getting active.
4.Certain cold medications should be avoided
Some over-the-counter products include the drug pseudoephedrine. While it can provide comfort during a cold or allergy breakout, it also has adverse effects. The medication constricts your blood vessels, which might aggravate your PAD symptoms.
5.Maintain A healthy diet
Controlling your weight and cholesterol is more crucial than ever. A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean meats, and plant oils like olive oil can assist.
6.Protect your feet and legs
PAD is most commonly felt in the legs, particularly the calves and thighs. You may experience discomfort or numbness if blood cannot flow freely. You’re more prone to experience pain when you walk or engage in physical exercise since your muscles require more blood. Wear shoes that are comfortable for you. When you walk, you want to be as comfortable as possible. It is better to avoid wearing compression socks. They do not assist with PAD and may even be harmful. Check with your doctor if you’re wearing them to avoid swelling or blood clots to determine if they’re still a good idea.
The above mentioned are a few precautions for peripheral artery disease. If you are dealing with PAD, try following these preventive measures for artery disease and for the best result do consult our expert from Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala of the Flow Vascular Clinic Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala, is the best in Hyderabad for diagnosing peripheral artery disease. The most common cause of peripheral vascular disease is plaque development in the arterial lumen. Peripheral vascular disease is more common in older persons, but it can occur at any age in an adult. To know more info about peripheral vascular disease do contact our experts or click here for a quick appointment.