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:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

GYNECOLOGICAL CAUSES OF ACUTE ABDOMINAL PAIN

Women's pelvic and abdominal pain can be challenging to diagnose and treat. Although clinical history is commonly the basis for diagnosis. However, laboratory, physical examination, and imaging tests are also used to diagnose the causes of pain. Symptoms  You may observe the following symptoms: Severe or mild pain Pain with cramps Sharp or dull pain Burning pain Bouts or constant pain  Causes of acute abdominal pain in women As the abdomen has many organs, your gynaecologist would examine you for a proper diagnosis. Some of the causes can be as follows: Dysmenorrhea: Dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps causes pain during your period. Pain might generally last from 12 to 72 hours, and symptoms of vomiting or nausea might also occur. Primary dysmenorrhea is recurrent and caused only during periods. While secondary dysmenorrhoea is period pain due to a disorder of any female reproductive organs. Mittelschmerz: Women might have Mittelschmerz or ovulation pain during ovulation, a mens...
Post a Comment
Read more

Neurologists: What They Do And What They Treat

A medical doctor by profession, a neurologist specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases that affect the brain, spine, and nerves. Neurological conditions can affect any part of the body, and anyone can get them - irrespective of age or gender.  A neurologist has studied the anatomy and conditions affecting the nervous system, correctly diagnosing and treating any disorders. It is necessary to understand exactly what a neurologist does, then you can visit the best neurologist in Bangalore . Read ahead to know more.  What does the neurologist treat? Neurologists treat problems that affect the nervous system. Book an online doctor appointment to get the correct diagnosis. A neurologist typically treats these common conditions: Different kinds of brain tumours - primary and secondary Any injury that occurs to the brain or spinal cord Parkinson’s Disease Conditions like epilepsy  Understanding causes of headaches Pinched nerves Peripheral neuropathy...
Post a Comment
Read more

PRP Hair Loss Treatment in Pune - Cost, Benefits & Results

Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) has been used for several years to treat musculoskeletal system conditions. However, it has recently created a buzz about being used for skin-related conditions.  What is PRP? The PRP, also referred to as the vampire treatment, involves the patient’s blood cells to help heal in a specific area. Blood consists of platelets (a blood cell type that plays a vital role in carrying out the process of healing) and plasma (the liquid component of blood). Platelets have growth factors and clotting abilities that stimulate tissue regeneration and cell reproduction, promoting healing.  Doctors take your blood sample and centrifuge it. Centrifuging the blood separates and concentrates the plasma levels. PRP Benefits and Results for Hair Loss PRP injections are a non-surgical treatment used along with other treatment options for hair loss. These are often administered as a series of monthly treatments. A few frequent maintenance treatments visits to follo...
Post a Comment
Read more