PAD stands for peripheral artery disease. It is a condition associated with chronic poor circulation of blood. Often, PAD is interchangeably used with peripheral vascular disease (PVD).
PAD occurs due to the arteries narrowing or blocking due to plaque accumulation. Cholesterol and fats on the arterial walls form plaque, which reduces blood flow. Over time, the situation worsens, and some body parts may lack enough blood.
The specific body parts affected are the feet and legs. For example, there is a close link between PVD and varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, etc.
The signs and symptoms of PAD differ depending on weight, lifestyle, and age. Most patients suffering from PAD are asymptomatic though some have noticeable symptoms. The observable symptoms are due to the reduced flow of blood to the muscles on the leg. Most individuals experience random pain when walking.
What Are the Risk Factors For PAD?
To mention a few, the risk factors are;
- Age, especially persons above 50 years
- Patients with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes
- Excessive consumption of tobacco products
- High blood cholesterol
- Women in menopause
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
Note;
When you quit smoking, you may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, including PAD.
Watch this video to learn more about the risk factors associated with PAD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkHbvR_6GMk.
Signs of Peripheral Artery Disease
More than 50% of patients with PAD are asymptomatic. But, the most common symptom is muscle activity pain in the calves, hips, or thighs. Muscle movements such as climbing the stairs may cause intermittent pain called claudication. The reason is that the demand for oxygen-rich blood increases with muscle activity.
Blocked leg blood vessels cause pain even at night when you are catching a nap. The leg cramp is dull, and your leg muscles feel heavy, tired, and tight.
More symptoms of peripheral artery disease are;
- One or both feet or legs feel cold and may have skin color changes, i.e., shiny, blue, or red
- Discolored toenails
- Persistent pain in the butts
- Weak pulses on your feet and legs
- Loss of hair on the legs
- The legs feel numb, powerless, and tingling
- The toes or feet aching or having a burning sensation
- Heel or ankle wounds that never heal
- Dead tissues due to insufficient blood flow
- Impotence
- Nagging sores on the feet or legs
The Diagnosis of Peripheral Artery Disease
To diagnose PAD, your doctor will ask about the history of your symptoms (if any) and perform a series of medical tests.
Additional medical examinations may include;
Angiography
Angiography is a test that checks for blocked or narrowed blood vessels.
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
An ankle-brachial index is a contrast between the ankle and arm blood pressure. ABI helps in examining blood pressure changes in a given time.
Doppler Ultrasound Flow Studies
The Doppler ultrasound utilizes sound waves of high frequency and a computer to show blood vessels and tissue images. This method measures and checks blood flow – faint or no sound may show blood flow obstruction.
Pulse Volume Recording (PVR) Waveform Analysis
PVR test checks for any fluctuations in the amount of blood in your legs.
Exercise Tests
the doctor performs some of the tests named above pre and post-exercise. This helps the doctors examine patients having symptoms when exercising.
The Medical Treatment for PAD
Are you having any symptoms of PAD? Contact our physicians today. We aim to control the symptoms you have and prevent more complications.
The doctor’s choice of treatment depends on your age, overall health, and response to drugs.
Treatment options include;
- Prescribed drugs to improve your blood flow, e.g., antiplatelet agents
- Controlling pre-existing chronic medical conditions like diabetes and blood pressure may worsen PAD.
- Change of lifestyle like exercising, often quitting smoking, and having a healthy diet.
- Angioplasty- the doctor uses a long hollow tube to widen the arteries and increase blood flow.
- A vascular surgery. The physician creates a bypass graft in the narrowed or blocked artery area to divert blood flow.
A physician does Angiography before angioplasty and vascular surgery procedures.
A major lifestyle recommendation is that ladies stay away from compression stockings. They hold back the flow of blood in people with peripheral artery disease.
What Complications May Result From PAD?
Complications of PAD often occur due to reduced or no blood flow. They may include:
- Difficulties walking because of pain
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Wounds not healing, which may lead to amputation
Stay Vigilant About Your Muscle Health
There is no need to live a life of long-lasting wounds, difficulties walking, or even worse complications. Schedule an appointment with us to check your feet and leg muscles. And meanwhile, eat healthily and do exercise. Stay safe!