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
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