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