Peripheral Artery Disease

Blood flow in a normal artery and in an artery with plaques. Adapted form nhlbi.nih.gov

Sometime last year, someone dear to me complained of intermittent pain and numbness in their thigh. These complaints became regular and disturbing, so I had to do some digging. More so, I was curious to know what was really causing the pain and numbness. I did some research by checking the internet. Then I found out there is a disease called peripheral artery disease (PAD). But how did I know what the person complained about was peripheral artery disease? The symptoms. The symptoms I read on the websites I visited were exactly what the person felt. 

Because I love to see people strong and healthy, I have decided to share the research I did, so that you will learn what you must do and what you must not do to prevent PAD. So, follow me as I take you through this journey.

What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)? 
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), otherwise known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a non-communicable disease that occurs when plaques build up in the arteries that carry blood to your limbs (legs and arms).

These plaques are made up of fat, cholesterol, fibrous tissues and calcium. When plaques accumulate in your arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, your legs and arms will not receive enough oxygen and nutrient-rich blood. This reduced blood flow to your limbs causes pain and numbness (loss of sensation). In severe cases, the blocked blood flow can cause gangrene (tissue death), which may lead to leg amputation.

What are the causes of PAD? The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, as earlier mentioned, occurs when plaques gather in your arteries. Even though the exact cause of atherosclerosis is unknown, studies have shown that certain factors such as smoking, fats, cholesterol, hign blood pressure and diabetes can lead to the condition.

Who are those more at risk of developing PAD? Peripheral artery disease affects about 8.5 million people in America, and is more common among the blacks. But those who are more at risk of developing PAD are smokers, aging people, people who have certain diseases and conditions. Moreover, the following health conditions can increase a person's risk of having PAD: 

• high blood pressure
• increased blood cholesterol
• diabetes

How do you prevent Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?                                                                

Physical exercise

To prevent peripheral artery disease, you've got to take control of your risk factors. And some of the ways to do that include:

• regular physical activity
• eating healthy diets
• developing a weight loss plan if you are overweight or obese
• quit smoking
• visiting a hospital for regular screening for PAD, especially if you are 70 years and older

What are the signs and symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease?

Claudication caused by PAD

Although most people with peripheral artery disease have mild or no symptoms, some people have the following symptoms:

• muscle pain or cramps in the affected legs when walking (claudication), which ceases after a moment of rest. There may also be pain in the thighs, buttocks and calves.
• Weakness and numbness in the legs
• coldness in the affected leg
• sores on the toes, feet or legs.
• poor nail or hair growth
• erectile dysfunction, especially among diabetic men.

How is Peripheral Artery Disease Diagnosed? PAD is diagnosed based on medical or family history, a physical examination and tests. The diagnostic tests used o diagnose PAD include:

• Ankle-brachial index (ABI), a test that compares the blood pressure in your ankle to blood pressure in your arms.
  
  

  

  Ankle-brachial index test. Adapted from nhlbi.nih.gov
  
  
  

• Doppler ultrasound
• Treadmill test
• Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA)
• Arteriogram
• Blood test

What are the Complications of Peripheral Artery Disease? People who have PAD or PVD are at the risk of developing the following conditions if they are not treated:

• Severe limb ischemia which can lead to amputation
• Ischemic heart disease
• Erectile dysfunction
• Stoke and heart attack

How can Peripheral Artery Disease be Treated? Heart-health lifestyle changes, medicines and surgery or procedures are the ways to treat peripheral artery disease. The goal for treating PAD is to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The heart-healthy lifestyle changes you should develop into a habit if you want to treat PAD include:

• quitting smoking
• regular physical exercise
• healthy diets

Surgery or procedures: Surgeries and procedures used in treating peripheral vascular disease include:

• Bypass grafting
• Angioplasty
• Atherectomy

Conclusion: Peripheral artery disease is not a life-threatening disease, but heart-healthy lifestyle changes can prevent the disease. So develop a healthy lifestyle today!😊😊😊

References:

1. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/peripheral-artery-disease

2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-artery-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350557