Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) known as atherosclerosis, causes poor circulation or hardening of the arteries. PAD progresses depending on the area of the circulation and ones health history. PAD blocks circulation to vital structures, commonly the legs and feet but also to the brain. It can be associated with high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. PAD can cause pain in the calves when walking, but in its more severe form cause leg ulcers, and even gangrene that can lead to amputation. It can build up over a lifetime and the symptoms may not arise until later in life. Many people have PAD without having symptoms. These individuals are at a high risk for suffering an early heart attack or stroke. Research has proven that the life expectancy for a person with PAD is greatly reduced. For example, the risk for dying from heart disease is six times higher for those with PAD as compared to those without. Therefore, it is important to discuss the possibility of PAD with a doctor if someone has several risk factors. Symptoms - In those where PAD is more severe, insufficient blood flow to the feet and legs may cause a burning/aching pain in the feet and toes while resting. The pain will occur particularly at night time while lying flat.
- Cooling of skin in specific areas of legs or feet
- Color changes in the skin
- Toe and fool sores that do not heal
Risk Factors
- Smoking This is the number one risk factor for PAD
- Diabetes Individuals with diabetes are greatly at risk to also develop PAD
- Age Those 50 years are older are more at risk for PAD. PAD is a disease that strikes both men and women, but occurs slightly more often in men.
- History of Heart Disease A family history of cardiovascular disease can sometimes be an indicator for PAD.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) When blood pressure remains high, the lining of the artery walls becomes damaged.
- High levels of homocycteine This is an amino acid found in plasma (blood).
Treatment
Treatment options are varied and depend on the overall health of the patient and the severity of the diagnosis. Your physician should provide you with adequate information to help understand all options. The majority of the cases are treated without surgery. A treatment plan involves lifestyle changes, as well as one or more of the following: - Life Style Changes
- Exercise Therapy
- Drug Treatment
- Foot Care
- Endovascular Procedures (stenting)
- Surgery
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