What is peripheral arterial disease?
Peripheral Arterial Disease, commonly referred to as peripheral arterial disease or PAD, is a condition where blood flow to the arms or legs is reduced due to narrowing arteries. The narrowed arteries prevent sufficient blood from the arms and legs, which can cause pain when walking or using the extremities, among other symptoms.
What are causes and symptoms PAD?
Peripheral Arterial Disease is typically a tell-tale sign of fatty deposits that have built up in the arteries, otherwise known as atherosclerosis).
Those dealing with peripheral arterial disease may have mild or symptoms, while others may experience leg pain when walking, which is also known as claudication. In severe cases of pain, patients may experience difficult walking or participating in other types of physical activity. Other symptoms include:
- Numbness or weakness in the leg
- A cold sensation in the lower leg or foot, especially when compared to the other leg or foot
- A weak pulse or no pulse in the legs or feet
- Slow growing toenails or leg hair
- Sores on the toes, feet or legs that appear to be healing slowly or not healing at all
- Skin on the legs that appears shiny or discolored
- Pain when using the arms similar to aches or cramps
- Erectile dysfunction
You may be at an increased risk for PAD depending on your family history and several other factors such as elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, age, BMI, or levels of amino acids called homocysteine, which increases the risk for developing coronary artery disease.
How is PAD diagnosed?
Peripheral arterial disease is diagnosed in a variety of ways. If your doctor suspects PAD, they may order blood tests to check for high cholesterol, high triglycerides and diabetes. They may also use an Ankle-brachial index (ABI) to compare the blood pressure in the ankle with the blood pressure in the arm. Being asked to walk on a treadmill is common with this test to get a variety of blood pressure measurements. Other testing includes an ultrasound of the legs or feet, which would allow the doctor to see how the blood is moving through the blood vessels in the lower extremities and is a great way to spot any blocked or narrowed arteries. Lastly, an angiograph is a common imaging test done via x-ray, MRI scan or CT scan to check for blockages in the arteries. Often times, a contrast dye is injected into a blood vessel for a more clear image.
Following diagnostic procedures, your doctor will read and interpret your results and provide the best treatment option for your specific condition.
What are treatment options for PAD?
Treatment for PAD will often involve lifestyle changes and medication. To lower your risk factors for developing PAD, consider lifestyle changes that include:
- Controlling blood sugar levels
- Consuming foods and drinks low in saturated fat
- Exercising regularly (speak with your healthcare provider to establish a plan)
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Managing blood pressure and cholesterol
- Cutting out smoking
Remember, the goal of these lifestyle modifications is to manage symptoms and improve the overall health of your arteries. These measures will work to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke and help improve your overall quality of life.