Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a common circulatory condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. This typically affects the legs, causing pain and discomfort during activities such as walking. PAD is a manifestation of atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up on the artery walls, leading to reduced blood circulation.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of developing PAD, including:
- Smoking: The leading risk factor for PAD, significantly increasing the chances of artery damage.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels over time.
- High Blood Pressure: Forces arteries to work harder than normal, weakening the walls.
- High Cholesterol: Excess cholesterol can build up and form plaques in the arteries.
- Age: Risk increases with age, particularly after 50.
- Family History: Genetic predisposition to atherosclerosis or other circulatory problems.
- Obesity: Excess weight contributes to high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of exercise can contribute to many of the risk factors mentioned above.
Symptoms
The symptoms of PAD can vary in intensity and may include:
- Claudication: Painful cramping in the hip, thigh or calf muscles after certain activities, such as walking or climbing stairs.
- Numbness or Weakness: In the legs.
- Coldness: In the lower leg or foot, especially when compared with the other leg.
- Sores: Wounds on the toes, feet or legs that won’t heal.
- Color Change: In the legs.
- Hair Loss: Slower growth of hair on the feet and legs.
- Shiny Skin: On the legs.
- Weak Pulse: Or no pulse in the legs or feet.
Diagnostics and Tests
Diagnosing PAD typically involves a combination of physical examinations and specialized tests, such as:
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): A common test comparing the blood pressure in the ankle with the blood pressure in the arm.
- Ultrasound: To evaluate blood flow and identify blockages or narrowed arteries.
- Angiography: Uses imaging techniques, including CT or MRI, to view the blood flow in the arteries.
- Blood Tests: To check for underlying conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol.
Treatments and Services
Treatment for PAD aims to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life and prevent disease progression. LifeBridge Health providers can advise you on a range of treatment options, including:
- Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking, exercising regularly and eating a heart-healthy diet.
- Medications: To manage symptoms and control risk factors, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, blood pressure medications and medications to control blood sugar.
- Surgery: In severe cases, procedures such as angioplasty (to open blocked arteries) or bypass surgery (to reroute blood flow) may be necessary.
- Support Services: Including rehabilitation programs, nutrition counseling and support groups.