What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) occurs when plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) narrows arteries, reducing blood flow to the limbs, usually the legs.
This restricted blood flow can result in symptoms such as leg pain, cramping,
Weakness, and numbness, especially during physical activity. Left untreated, PAD can lead to serious complications, including tissue damage, ulcers, and even amputation.
Side effects of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD):
The side effects of Peripheral Artery Disease can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Common symptoms include:
Left untreated, Peripheral Artery Disease can progress to more severe complications, such as critical limb ischemia (CLI), where blood flow to the limbs is severely restricted, increasing the risk of tissue damage and amputation.
How is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) diagnosed?
Diagnosing Peripheral Artery Disease typically involves a combination of medical history assessment, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Your healthcare provider may perform the following:
1. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) test to compare blood pressure in the arms and legs
2. Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow and identify narrowed arteries
3. Angiography, including magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or computed tomography angiography (CTA), to visualize blood vessels and detect blockages
4. Blood tests to measure cholesterol levels and assess overall cardiovascular health
Potential treatments of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD):
Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease aims to relieve symptoms, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of complications. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment options may include:
1. Lifestyle modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, smoking cessation, and a balanced diet, can help manage PAD symptoms and reduce progression.
2. Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications to lower cholesterol levels, control blood pressure, prevent blood clots, and manage pain.
3. Interventional procedures: Minimally invasive procedures such as angioplasty and stenting may be recommended to open narrowed arteries and restore blood flow.
4. Surgery: In severe cases of PAD, surgical procedures such as bypass grafting may be necessary to reroute blood flow around blocked arteries and improve circulation.
5. Supervised exercise therapy: Participating in a structured exercise program under medical supervision can improve walking distance and overall mobility in PAD patients.
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