Peripheral artery disease represents the narrowing of arteries that carry blood to the limbs. It is a very common circulatory problem, which often goes undiagnosed. It is believed that over 8 million Americans over 40 suffer from peripheral artery disease (PAD). In some cases, it is mistaken for something else, because its symptoms can be interpreted in several ways.
What Causes Peripheral Artery Disease?
Arteries get narrow over time by plaque building up on the inner walls. Plaque consists of fat deposits, cholesterol, fibrous tissue and calcium. Therefore, the onset of PAD is influence by diet and lifestyle.
How Serious Is Peripheral Artery Disease?
If the condition is not diagnosed, PAD can get worse over time. In the most severe scenarios, blood flow is completely cut off from arms or legs, leading to gangrene and amputation.
At the same time, people who suffer from peripheral artery disease are also more at risk to develop coronary artery disease or suffer from heart attack or stroke.
Risk Factors for Developing PAD
Some people have a higher risk for developing peripheral artery disease. These are:
- Family history – if several members of your family suffered from heart disease, blood vessel disease or stroke, you are at risk to develop PAD
- Lifestyle – smoking, a diet containing too many fats, lack of physical exercise
- Various preexisting conditions: diabetes, chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, obesity.
The important issue is recognizing the signs of PAD and going to the doctor to get diagnosed as quickly as possible.
The Most Common Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease
The reason why PAD is so under-diagnosed is the fact that many people have mild or no symptoms at all. For instance, if they experience leg pain or cramps as they are walking, they put it down to making a wrong move.
For your own sake, you need to be vigilant and not ignore the following symptoms:
- Painful cramps in one or both legs as you walk or climb stairs
- A weak or numb leg
- One leg feels colder than the other
- Your legs are changing color or have shiny skin
- You feel a weak pulse in your legs.
Prevention and Treatment
The best option, of course, is to prevent the onset of PAD. You can do several things to improve your health and well being. For instance, if you are a smoker, quit smoking. It is not just one of the risk factors for PAD, but for many other fatal diseases, including lung cancer.
Also, try to change your diet by reducing saturated fat and including more fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as proteins. At the same time, try to live an active life and choose hobbies that involve physical exercise and going outside.
In most cases, doctors will give you these recommendations to treat peripheral artery disease. PAD treatment may also include prescribed specific medication to:
- lower your cholesterol levels
- reduce your blood pressure
- control your blood sugar
- prevent blood clots.
Peripheral artery disease can be a silent killer if left untreated, so remember to get screened!