Skip to main content

Peripheral Artery Disease (Pad): Overview, Symptoms And Treatments

Peripheral artery disease is a condition in which blood flow to the arms and/or legs is reduced. Usually affecting the legs, peripheral artery disease is caused when the blood vessels become narrow or are blocked, restricting the blood flow. The main cause for PAD is an accumulation of fatty deposits or plaque in the arteries. This is known as atherosclerosis. 


Search for the best cardiologist in Mumbai and he will guide you about the causes behind peripheral artery disease, and know which symptoms to watch out for. PAD usually causes leg pain while walking, and can be treated with exercise, following a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco products.


Want to know more about peripheral artery disease before you book a doctor appointment? Read ahead. 


Symptoms of peripheral artery disease


Peripheral artery disease might cause little to no symptoms, however people do experience leg pain while walking or claudication.

Claudication causes muscle cramps or pain, and is mostly felt in the calves. If the leg pain is too intense, the patient might find it difficult to even walk. Book a doctor appointment if you experience any of these other symptoms like:


  • Numbness or weakness in the legs and/or arms

  • Coldness in the lower limbs

  • Weak pulse or no pulse in the lower limbs 

  • Cramps in the hips, thighs, or calves

  • Skin on the legs will shine

  • Skin on the leg might change colour

  • Toenails grow slowly

  • Hair growing slowly on the legs

  • Sores on the legs that don’t heal 

  • Erectile dysfunction

  • Pain while using the arms for activities like writing or typing


Causes of peripheral artery disease


Peripheral artery disease is caused when the arteries are clogged with an increase of fatty buildup and cholesterol rich deposits on the walls. Known as atherosclerosis, the blood flow through the veins becomes restricted. 


While atherosclerosis is the most common cause of PAD, there are some other causes too like:


  • Any injury to the limbs 

  • Inflammation of the blood vessels

  • Exposure to radiation

  • Changes in the ligaments or muscles 


Who is at risk of developing PAD?


People who smoke, have diabetes, or chew tobacco are at a greater risk of developing peripheral artery disease. Other factors that can cause PAD are:


  • Genetics or family history of heart related diseases like strokes or PAD

  • Hypertension or high blood pressure

  • High cholesterol levels

  • Increased levels of homocysteine. Homocysteine is an amino acid that increases the risk of heart diseases

  • Ageing - those who are over 65 

  • Obesity i.e. a body mass index of 30 or more


PAD prevention


Like all other heart conditions, PAD can be controlled by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is very easy to do so by following these steps:


  • Avoid smoking

  • Keep blood sugar levels under control

  • Maintain a healthy body weight

  • Maintain a low saturated fat diet

  • Exercise regularly

  • Maintain a healthy blood pressure


Conclusion


If you are having any difficulty or pain while walking or using your arms, it is advisable to visit the best cardiologist in Mumbai or any other city. Like other disorders relating to the heart, peripheral artery disease should not go unnoticed. The arteries are getting clogged, reducing blood flow. Once the cardiologist diagnoses the problem, the treatment is easy and effortless.  Book a doctor appointment at the earliest.


Read also: Different Types Of Cardiologists And Their Roles

Labels

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Common Sex Problems In Females

Several women go through difficulties with sexual function at some point, while others might suffer throughout their lives. These problems might keep a woman devoid of experiencing the satisfaction in her sex life. Such issues might affect one’s capacity to experience arousal, orgasms, and pain-free sex. Both physical and psychological factors can be causative factors for sexual problems in women. A sexologist in Mumbai can give expert treatment advice to deal with sex problems. Sexologists are doctors who specialize in human sexuality. What are the most common sex problems in women? After a consultation with a doctor online or a sexologist at the clinic, you might understand that your symptoms might indicate one of the following or other sex problems: Sexual arousal disorder: In this condition, the desire for sex might still be present, yet you might find it difficult to arouse yourself or find it challenging to maintain arousal during sexual activity. Dyspareunia or pain during sex:...
Post a Comment
Read more

Treatment And Medications For Women with Piles In India

Despite the fact that piles are among the most common ailments, people have found it very humiliating to discuss them. Hemorrhoids or piles are enlarged and inflamed veins that form around the anus and lower rectal region. Piles usually are not harmful, but they cause a great deal of discomfort and must be acknowledged to avoid problems.  Females now have access to the best piles treatment in Pune , thanks to advances in medical science and technology. Just make an online doctor appointment to learn about the best medicine for hemorrhoids. Initially, piles can be treated at home by eating a fiber-rich diet, keeping hydrated, taking a sitz bath, and avoiding bowel straining. Weight loss may help reduce the occurrence and magnitude of piles. Doctors also recommend exercising and preventing straining to pass stools to avoid piles. Exercising is found to be a common treatment for piles. There are also several medications available to help piles patients manage their symptoms: Pain rel...
Post a Comment
Read more

What to eat after piles surgery?

What are Piles? Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are inflamed or swollen clusters of veins and tissue located inside or outside the anus. They can vary in size and are a common health issue affecting people of any age.  Piles are commonly caused by lifting heavy weights, chronic bowel conditions of constipation or diarrhea, pregnancy, and obesity to name a few. This condition is characterized by itching and bleeding and can cause discomfort to the individual. In the event of extreme discomfort, it is recommended to get an expert opinion from the best piles doctor in Chennai . Understand Piles Surgery and Recovery Piles surgery is a procedure to surgically remove or shrink the hemorrhoids, generally administered if the case is severe and doesn’t resolve with lifestyle changes and medicine. Typically, the recovery time after the surgery is a week, however, it is important to follow instructions on rest and diet for a timely recovery.  Some ways to cope with the discomfort duri...
Post a Comment
Read more