Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when the peripheral arteries become narrow. It is a sign that there are fatty deposits and calcium in the walls of the arteries.
This can occur if you have diabetes or if you smoke frequently. Atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque made up of fat, cholesterol,
and other substances stick to the walls of the veins, is the most common cause of peripheral arterial disease.
The plaque in your veins may reduce the flow of blood through the artery. It can also become brittle or inflamed, which is what causes pain when you walk. Sometimes, the plaque causes a blood clot to form that can block the blood flow even more.
PAD can occur in the arteries leading to the arms, stomach, or head; however, it occurs most frequently in the legs. By being aware of the peripheral artery symptoms, you wont be improperly diagnosed.
Generally, peripheral artery disease goes undiagnosed by healthcare professionals. This is why if you notice that there is pain and numbness in your legs, then you should take the time to talk to a professional. Those who have this disease have a higher risk of having coronary artery disease, strokes, and heart attacks.
Common symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease
Be aware that the most common symptoms of PAD include cramping in the lower extremities, fatigue of the legs or hip muscles during motion, or pain in the legs or the hips.
The pain usually disappears with rest, only to return once you begin to move again. In addition, if you smoke or you have diabetes, then you have a higher risk of PAD. While it can be difficult and painful, there is a treatment that is easy and painless. By making a healthy choice in your lifestyle with a combination of medicine, you are able to live a life thats pain-free even if you have PAD.
Keep in mind that you are the one who knows your body and the reason for any discomfort you may be feeling,
so its vital that youre in tune with the pain you may be experiencing. It isnt unusual for physicians to miss diagnose this disease.
This occurs often because the patient or their doctor mistakes the associated symptoms for other conditions.
Peripheral artery disease can easily be mistaken for other diseases. So, its vital that you rely on all of the symptoms you may be feeling and you visit an expert to let them know whats going on with your body. Under-diagnosis is a serious problem because of the increased risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart disease that accompanies PAD. Patients who fail to get diagnosed and treated for peripheral arterial disease may develop gangrene and, possibly, amputation.
Who Is at Risk for PAD?
People who smoke, have diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure are at a high risk for PAD. Your risk also increases as you get older. You should schedule an evaluation and learn your risk if you think you may have PAD.
The peripheral arterial disease clinic uses a variety of medications to treat PAD. High blood pressure medications, those used to treat diabetes, or cholesterol-lowering drugs can treat your specific conditions. Other methods of treatment include angioplasty in which a small balloon is inserted into the artery to stretch it open and bypass surgery.
The right treatment for peripheral arterial disease starts with an accurate diagnosis. Dont ignore the symptoms that may be the first signs of PAD.
If you think that you have peripheral artery disease, then take the time to visit peripheral artery disease health clinic at Vascular Health Centers in Oviedo, FL. While this disease can be painful, they can help you find a treatment that works and helps you live a normal and high-quality life.
